ATM Diversionary Theft Arrests Made in California
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) has taken three individuals into custody following a series of ATM diversion thefts across several counties in California.
On January 6, OCSD’s Northern Operations investigators arrested three Romanian nationals—Romita Akitei, Paul Agafitei, and George Asafiei. The sheriff’s office shared that these individuals are facing numerous felony charges, which include grand theft, identity theft, and forgery. They are believed to be linked to various theft offenses in Orange, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sacramento counties.
A victim, who is 66 years old and has not been named, used an ATM in Villa Park on November 18. It is alleged that one suspect observed the victim entering his PIN. During the transaction, another suspect dropped some money near the victim’s feet, prompting him to bend down and pick it up. While the victim was distracted, a third suspect replaced the victim’s bank card with a fraudulent one. Subsequently, they reportedly utilized the victim’s card and PIN to make unauthorized purchases and withdraw cash.
The victim discovered that his ATM card had been compromised the following day and reported it to the sheriff’s department on November 22.
Thanks to information from the bank, OCSD investigators managed to locate a gray SUV suspected to be involved in the crime. They identified this vehicle and a possible suspect with help from the OC Sheriff Crime Analysis Detail.
In light of these thefts, the Sheriff’s Office is encouraging the public to stay alert when using ATMs. They emphasized the importance of being cautious, such as covering the keypad while entering a PIN and avoiding interactions with strangers during transactions. They also warned that strangers might approach for various reasons when someone is heading to their vehicle or leaving a store. If approached, it is suggested to keep a safe distance.
Authorities noted that at least a dozen victims have been affected by these thefts, and they suspect there may be additional victims.
