Three men netted thousands by placing cash trapping devices in 43 ATMs across Meath, Dublin, Kildare and Louth

By Claire Henry

Three Romanian nationals will be sentenced next month on charges related to cash trapping devices placed in 43 ATMs across Dublin, Kildare, Meath, and Louth.

Marius Crisan (29) of Ormond Way, Swords, Dublin, pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal damage to AIB ATMs, two counts of stealing property in the form of cash from AIB, four counts of having cash trapping devices with the intent of using them in the course of a theft, and one count of participating in the activities of a criminal organisation, contrary to section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006.

His co-accused Codrin Manoli (26) of no fixed abode in the Dundrum area pleaded guilty to four counts of criminal damage to AIB ATMs, four counts of stealing property in the form of cash from AIB, two counts of having cash trapping devices with the intent of using them in the course of a theft, and one count of participating in the activities of a criminal organisation, contrary to section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006.

Calin Scintei (32) of The Park, Citywest Village, Dublin, pleaded guilty to one count of criminal damage to an AIB ATM, one count of stealing property in the form of cash from AIB and three counts of having cash trapping devices with the intent of using them in the course of a theft.

Detective Garda Emmett Cooke from the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau told Oisin Clarke BL, prosecuting, that in July 2024, he was contacted by an employee of AIB Bank informing him that some of their ATM machines had been targeted for “cash trapping.” He was told that 43 ATMs were targeted, and these incidents were captured on CCTV.

Det Gda Cooke told Dublin Circuit Criminal Court that “cash trapping” involves someone using an ATM machine to withdraw cash. When the shutter where the cash is dispersed opens, a device is pushed into the open shutter. When a member of the public then goes to use the ATM, the transaction takes place, but the money gets trapped inside the device. Whoever placed the cash trapping devices would then return later and force open the cash shutter where the devices would have collected any money attempted to be withdrawn by the public.

The court heard that an operation was put in place, and at 11 pm on July 12, 2024, AIB contacted the gardai to inform them that four ATMs had been targeted, including one in Stillorgan. Gardai were watching the ATM when two men wearing baseball caps approached the machine and forced it open. One of the men was seen stuffing bank notes into his pocket. Gardai watched the two men who were later identified as Manoli and Scintei walk to a nearby car park and get into a car. Manoli, Scintei and Crisan were all present in the car when the gardai approached. Several cash trapping devices and cash were found in the car. All three were arrested.

Det Gda Cooke said the gardai obtained a large amount of CCTV footage and identified all three accused. The three were charged with carrying out cash trapping at multiple locations across Leinster. Manoli was interviewed on six occasions, and nothing of value was disclosed. Scintei was interviewed on five occasions. He acknowledged he was in the car but denied any knowledge of the offences. Crisan made admissions during interview.

The court heard that AIB suffered a loss of €6,060 in cash and a total of €18,731,19 in criminal damage to ATM machines. Det Gda Cooke told the court that he believed Manoli and Scintei played an equal role in the organisation and that this was a criminal organisation set up to commit these offences.

The operation carried out by the gardai was a multi-department operation.

Detective Garda Aoife Lewis told prosecuting counsel that Crisan identified himself on CCTV footage and acknowledged that he was driving the car. Crisan told Det Gda Lewis that he did it to make some money. He said he “required money urgently for rent and he had a gambling problem.” She told the court that Crisan has no previous convictions.

Det. Cooke outlined to the court that Manoli has 16 previous convictions, all from the UK, including for theft, fraud, possession of cannabis, and possession of an article to commit fraud.

Scintei has 124 previous convictions, including one from Germany. The remaining convictions include convictions for deception, theft, use of a false instrument, theft, and enhancing a criminal organisation.

Det Gda Cooke agreed with all three defence counsels that the early guilty pleas were beneficial to the prosecution. He also agreed that Monoli had a drug addiction and Scintei had a gambling addiction.

Michael Horrigan SC, defending Scintei, told the court his client has been in custody since his arrest last July. He said his client came to Ireland in 2012, has no trappings of wealth, and knows that he will remain in custody. He said Scintei offers a genuine expression of remorse and asked the court to give him some incentive and suspended a portion of the sentence.

Sean Prenderville BL, defending Crisan, said his client is the main breadwinner in his house and his partner has just given birth. He said she is concerned that she will become homeless if he is imprisoned. Crisan works full-time in construction and part-time in a pizza shop at present.

He said his client is on the lowest end of the offence pole and is not street-smart. He asked the court to leave some light at the end of the tunnel for his client.

Seoirse O’Dunlaing, SC, defending Manoli, said his client came to Ireland in 2012 when he was 14 years old. His family returned to Romania, but he stayed. He said Manoli is prepared to return to Romania immediately after his prison sentence.

Counsel said his client had “an issue with drugs and mixed with the wrong crowd.” He said Manoli’s previous convictions reflect someone with a drug issue. Manoli offered an apology to the court and the gardai.

Mr O’Dunlaing said Manoli will serve a prison sentence in Ireland as a foreign national and will have no family in Ireland to visit him. He asked the court to be as lenient as possible.

Letters were handed into the court on behalf of all three men.

Judge Orla Crowe said she would need some time to consider the sentences and read all documents handed in to the court. She adjourned the case until April 10.