Men Used ATM Skimming Devices At North Haven Banks: Police

NORTH HAVEN, CT — Two men were arrested early Tuesday morning after police said they were found in the possession of ATM skimming devices that were used at two banks in North Haven.

Police responded to the area of Woodside Road around 7 a.m. on April 18 on the report of “suspicious activity.”

A resident told police that his neighbor’s car was stolen several days ago, and he had seen the same two people and car on his street for the past two days. The men would park and leave their car for a short amount of time, and then return, according to police.

“Fearing they may be attempting to commit a crime in the area or be the suspects in his neighbors stolen car incident, he called North Haven PD,” police wrote in a post on Facebook. “Upon our officer’s arrival they located two suspects matching what the caller described, walking in the area of M&T bank, near the ATM. Upon speaking with the suspects an officer noticed, in plain view, an electronic device / components, sticking out of the suspects pocket. It was determined the item was part of an ATM skimming device, and the two were detained. Our officers were also aware the previous day, the North Haven Bank of America had reported they located skimming / shimming devices on their ATM. After comparison of physical evidence located at M&T Bank and Bank of America, coupled with CCTV footage, the two were arrested for multiple fraudulent charges, for their actions at both banks. Their vehicle was impounded and a search warrant will be sought.”

Police said the suspects, 28-year-old Mario DeMarco and 37-year-old Stefano Garioli, claimed to be from Flushing, New York.

“At this point we have not been able to verify their identity,” police wrote. “Several federal agencies, including the U.S. Secret Service, HSI (Homeland Security Investigation), and Diplomatic Security Services are also assisting as these two are believed to have international ties, and are a part of a larger ring of fraudulent activities.”

They were each charged with illegal use of scanning device, illegal use of re-encoder, fraudulent use of auto teller, illegal reproduction of payment card, sixth-degree larceny, conspiracy to commit illegal use of scanning device, conspiracy to commit illegal use of re-encoder, conspiracy to commit fraudulent use of auto teller, conspiracy to commit illegal reproduction of payment card, and conspiracy to commit sixth-degree larceny.

The were each held in lieu of $300,000 bonds.

“This incident highlights what can happen by being alert and acting as a good witness, without getting physically involved or putting yourself in harm’s way,” police said. “If it was not for our concerned caller, these arrests likely would not have occurred. Great work by our concerned citizen, officers, and assisting agencies.”