MATTAPOISETT, MA — A Romanian man was arrested Thursday in connection with a series of unauthorized ATM withdrawals in Mattapoisett, according to police.
Throughout November, Detective Dennis Tavares of the Mattapoisett Police Department investigated multiple reports of fraudulent debit card withdrawals in Mattapoisett and at banks across Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
After an investigation, Det. Tavares identified Nicu Vasile Ardel, 38, of Romania, as a suspect.
Authorities believe Ardel is linked to a larger organization that places credit card skimming devices and manufactures forged debit cards.
The investigation was conducted jointly with the Department of Homeland Security, the Fairhaven Police Department, and the North Providence Police Department.
Ardel was apprehended by North Providence Police as he entered Rhode Island from the New York area.
Det. Tavares obtained a fugitive-from-justice warrant, and Ardel was extradited back to Massachusetts by police from Mattapoisett and Fairhaven.
Ardel was booked at the Mattapoisett Police Department, and his bail was set at $50,000.
He is being held pending bail or arraignment in Wareham 4th District Court.
