09/18/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SADDLE RIVER POLICE ANNOUNCE ARRESTS FOLLOWING DEBIT CARD SKIMMING INVESTIGATION
Saddle River Police Chief Edward J. Riedel announced the arrests of Eugene Padure and Iulian Brinzan, both of Romania, following a months-long investigation into an alleged debit card skimming operation targeting ATM machines throughout the North Jersey area.
The investigation revealed that individuals involved in the operation targeted ATM machines by installing and later removing electronic skimming devices designed to capture customers’ debit card information. Investigators believe the stolen account information was then used to create fraudulent payment cards in victims’ names.
The investigation progressed after a skimming device was discovered on a local ATM. Officers from the Saddle River Police Department, Madison Police Department, and Morris County Prosecutor’s Office worked together to identify and locate individuals believed to be involved in the operation.
Investigators were able to track the suspects to Saddle River, where Padure and Brinzan were taken into custody.
Following the arrests, law enforcement officers executed search warrants related to the investigation. Those searches resulted in the recovery of additional evidence associated with the skimming operation, including card-making equipment and additional skimming devices.
Iulian Brinzan was charged with Criminal Use of a Scanning Device, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:21-6.1(b)(1), and Theft, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3(b).
Eugene Padure was charged with Conspiracy to Commit Theft, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2, Criminal Use of a Scanning Device, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:21-6.1(b), and Possession of a Scanning Device or Reencoder with Intent to Commit an Offense, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:21-6.1(c).
The investigation was led by the Saddle River Police Detective Sergeant Michael Cooper assisted by Detective Brian Mills. They were assisted during the arrest by Captain Paul Passaretti, Sergeant Jeff Wells, Sergeant Ryan Holdsworth, and Sergeant John Latka.
The Saddle River Police Department would also like to thank the following agencies for their assistance and cooperation throughout the investigation:
United States Secret Service
Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office
Madison Police Department
Morris County Prosecutor’s Office
Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, Florida
New York City Police Department
The cooperation and information-sharing between these agencies played an important role in furthering this investigation.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Protecting Yourself From ATM Skimming
The Saddle River Police Department reminds residents to take precautions when using ATMs:
Cover the keypad with your hand whenever entering your PIN. Hidden cameras may be used in conjunction with skimming devices.
Inspect the card reader before inserting your card. If anything appears loose, unusually bulky, damaged, or out of place, do not use the machine.
Inspect the ATM keypad for overlays or attachments that appear different from the rest of the machine.
Whenever possible, use ATMs located inside or directly associated with a bank, particularly in well-lit and monitored areas.
Consider using contactless or tap-to-use ATM features when available instead of inserting your card.
Enable transaction alerts through your financial institution so you are immediately notified of withdrawals or purchases.
Regularly review your bank accounts and immediately report unauthorized transactions to your financial institution and local police department.
Chief Riedel reminds the public that the charges contained in this release are merely accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
