Two in court over ‘ATM skimming operation’

TWO men have been remanded in custody after they were charged in connection with an investigation into ATM skimming devices.

Daniel Munteanu, 30, of Slane Road, Navan, Co. Meath, was charged with 39 offences.

He faces 35 counts of thefts of sums totalling approximately €30,000 at various locations in 2018 and 2019. These offences allegedly happened in Dublin as well as in counties Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Cavan, Louth and Wicklow.

He also faces three charges of possession of false identity documents, and one charge under Section 29.3 of the Theft and Fraud Act for allegedly possessing ATM skimming paraphernalia at Slane Road, Navan.

Co-defendant Iulian Craciun, 49, of no fixed address, faces a single charge of having ATM skimming paraphernalia at Slane Road, Navan.

The case follows an investigation by the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau. The men, both from Romania, were detained at Navan Garda Station where they were charged yesterday. The pair were then brought to appear before Judge David McHugh at a late sitting of Dublin District Court.

Detective Garda Stephen Kelly told the court Mr Munteanu ‘made no reply’ when charged. Directions needed to be obtained from the Director of Public Prosecutions, he said. Mr Munteanu, who is unemployed and has no PPS number, did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody to appear via video-link at Trim District Court next Thursday.

A statement of his means was handed in to court. A ruling on whether he will qualify for legal aid was deferred until the next hearing after Garda Kelly objected. He referred to bank accounts with large sums of money in Romania. Detective Garda Paulina Szramowska told Judge McHugh that Mr Craciun also made no reply when he was charged. His solicitor Maurice Regan said there was no application for bail and his client was also remanded in custody.

Mr Craciun is also to appear via video-link at Trim District Court next Thursday.