Two Bulgarian men, G.K.D. (41) and T.P.D. (35), were sentenced on Friday to prison after attempting to steal money by installing skimming devices on several ATM machines in Aruba. Although the Prosecutor had requested an eight-month sentence, the judge increased the punishment to 10 months in prison for each suspect.
Attempted Skimming at RBC ATMs
The men were accused of installing skimming equipment on ATMs belonging to RBC Bank on July 26, 2025. Fortunately, modern ATM systems are equipped with advanced detection technology, and the machines immediately sent alerts to bank employees via smartphone. Staff responded quickly, went to the location, and discovered the skimming devices.
Use of Interpreter
Because the suspects did not speak any other language fluently, the Court of Justice utilized a Bulgarian interpreter via video conference from Amsterdam to conduct the hearing.
How They Were Caught
Employees monitored the ATM on Avenida Nelson Oduber and saw a rental car with two men approach. They followed the suspects to another ATM in Oranjestad, where they observed the same suspicious behavior.
Police were alerted and eventually stopped the vehicle, arresting both men. Security footage showed the two suspects taking turns installing devices—one installing while the other kept watch—and switching roles at the next ATM.
Statements and Evidence
G.K.D. claimed he was only trying to withdraw money with his debit card and was unaware of what the other man was doing. However, he later admitted he was the person seen on camera wearing a green flannel shirt at the ATM.
Police found over $3,000 in the car, although G.K.D. claimed only $100 belonged to him. The judge found contradictions in his story and deemed his explanation unreliable.
In the apartment where T.P.D. was staying, police found multiple skimming devices. He admitted they came to Aruba specifically for this purpose, explaining he believed Aruba’s RBC ATMs had outdated systems. He also admitted purchasing the skimming equipment online.
Prosecutor’s Demand and Defense Arguments
The Prosecutor argued that the suspects attempted to steal money from ATM users and stressed the seriousness of using such devices in a tourism-dependent country like Aruba.
Defense attorney Mr. Hernandez requested leniency for T.P.D., who had already spent nearly five months in detention, and argued that G.K.D. should be acquitted due to insufficient evidence.
Final Verdict
The judge ruled that both men were clearly involved, noting:
- Camera footage linked them to the installations
- Bank employees witnessed suspicious behavior
- Skimming devices were found in their possession
- Their actions were intentional and planned
Although no financial damage occurred, the judge emphasized the seriousness of the attempted crime and sentenced both to 10 months in prison, deducting the days they already served.
The confiscated cash will be returned because there is no proof it was criminally obtained. However, the skimming equipment and related electronic devices will remain confiscated, and the skimmers themselves will be destroyed.
Photo Credits : https://diario.aw/categories/noticia/hudicial/dos-bulgaro-condena-pa-instala-aparato-di-skim-den-diferente-atm-machine
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