NAUGATUCK — A California man currently incarcerated in Ohio has been charged in connection with an ATM skimming operation that stole over $100,000 from bank customers in Naugatuck, police announced Thursday.
Ionut Iamandita, 22, of LaHabra, California, faces multiple felony charges after an extensive investigation that began in May 2024 when customers reported fraudulent activity on their debit cards.
Investigators discovered skimming devices had been installed on drive-through ATMs at a local bank, allowing criminals to collect and replicate card information.
The Naugatuck Police Department secured an arrest warrant charging Iamandita with larceny in the first degree, identity theft in the second degree, payment card forgery, and illegal reproduction of a payment card.
Each charge also includes a conspiracy to commit charge, according to police.
Iamandita is currently serving approximately six years at the Licking County Justice Center in Newark, Ohio, for similar crimes.
Police identified several vehicles believed to be involved in the scheme and sent evidence to the State Forensic Laboratory for analysis.
The investigation included multiple search warrants, video footage review, DNA evidence, and collaboration with other law enforcement agencies.
Authorities believe Iamandita is one of several individuals involved in the scheme.
Naugatuck Police are working with the Connecticut Judicial Branch and Ohio authorities to serve the arrest warrant.
