By: Tracie Carter
An investigation into a credit card skimming operation at a Wawa on the Old Bridge/Matawan border has led to the arrest of a Romanian national believed to be part of an organized crime group, according to information released by Old Bridge Police.
Police said the suspect, identified as Constantin Gavrila Balauta of Romania, installed a skimming device on the credit card reader at the Route 34 Wawa, capturing the card information of unsuspecting customers.
The device allowed the theft of card numbers, and at least six Old Bridge residents and one Sayreville resident have been confirmed as victims.
The investigation began in February, with Old Bridge Police launching efforts to identify who was responsible for placing the device.
On February 28, police shared a photo from the store’s security cameras on their Facebook page, asking the public for help. Thanks to numerous tips from the community, Balauta was identified as the suspect.
Balauta has been charged with seven counts each of Theft by Unlawful Taking, Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card, and Forgery. He is currently in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Police say Balauta is suspected to be part of a larger organized crime network targeting financial data through skimming devices.
Authorities continue to investigate whether additional victims or accomplices are involved.