VietNamNet Bridge - Three Russian tourists brought hundreds of fake ATM cards to Vietnam, and in Nha Trang, they used the cards to withdraw more than VND100 million from the Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BIDV).

On July 4, the People’s Procuracy of Khanh Hoa Province completed an indictment against Troian Aleksei (32), Kotet Vyacheslav (43), and Yury Bondarenko (29) for the act of using computers, telecommunications networks, the Internet or digital devices to appropriate property. Troian Aleksei was also indicted for fleeing from custody.

According to the indictment, at about 8pm on October 27th 2015, Troian Aleksei was caught in the act by the police while using counterfeit cards to withdraw money at an ATM of BIDV at 158 Ngo Gia Tu Street, Nha Trang city.

Investigations showed that Troian Aleksei entered Vietnam on October 20th 2015 as a tourist, with many fake ATM cards. In Nha Trang, he used fake cards to withdraw money at many ATMs of BIDV Khanh Hoa.

After arresting Troian Aleksei, the police seized his accomplice - Kotet Vyacheslav – who was staying at a hotel on Tran Phu Road, Nha Trang.

Kotet Vyacheslav also claimed that he entered Vietnam with a tourist visa and dozens of fake ATM cards. In just two days, October 26 and 27, 2015, the two suspects made 28 successful transactions at BIDV ATMs, drawing more than VND100 million ($5,000).

The fake ATM cards.

Searching the two suspects’ rooms and their bodies, the police seized 160 fake ATM cards, nearly VND112 million ($5,000), and many other foreign currencies.

Kotet Vyacheslav and Troian Aleksei also confessed to withdraw money from ATMs by fake cards in other provinces before moving to Nha Trang.

While in custody awaiting trial, on February 2nd 2016, Troian Aleksei used a plastic rod, spoons and two toothbrushes to chisel the wall of the detention room. However, he was arrested.

Le Thu