Metro Lex News

Two people have been arrested for financial crimes after placing skimming devices on several ATMs. According to the article, "Vitus Kraus, 27, was arrested and charged with 27 counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, Possession of a Forgery Device, Trafficking in Financial Information, and False Making or Embossing of a Credit Card." Additionally, "Florin-Dan Balin, 45, was arrested and charged with 31 counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument, Possession of a Forgery Device, Trafficking in Financial Information, and False Making or Embossing of a Credit Card."

The arrests came after Financial Crimes detectives were alerted by the University of Kentucky Police Department about a suspicious vehicle involved in fraudulent ATM transactions. The detectives were able to track down the suspects at a Kroger location on Euclid Avenue where they were observed trying to manipulate the ATM.

Further investigations connected the two suspects to skimming devices at four other Kroger locations in Lexington. These additional ATMs were located at Kroger stores on Hartland Parkway, Richmond Road, Tates Creek Road, and Leestown Road. The article notes that the extent of the compromised financial data is currently unknown, and individuals who used these ATMs are urged to monitor their accounts for any suspicious activity.

Both suspects are currently in custody at the Fayette County Detention Center. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are asking anyone with information about the case to contact Lexington Police at (859) 258-3600 or submit anonymous tips to Bluegrass Crime Stoppers.

In other news, the Water Quality Fees Board held its Quarterly meeting on Jan. 11, 2024.