A fraudster who tricked victims with a device at a Radlett ATM has been jailed after stealing thousands.

During an appearance at St Albans Crown Court on February 22 Isidor Martinca was sentenced to 15 months in prison in relation to 18 fraud offences.

Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Serious Fraud and Cyber Unit had carried out a warrant in September, last year, after an investigation into several ATM frauds in Radlett, Hitchin, Royston and Welwyn Garden City between October 2021 and July 2022.

Watford Observer: Isidor Martinca Isidor Martinca (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)

Investigator Alan Mordey said: “Following our investigation, which was supported by experts within the banking industry, we were able to determine how the offender was able to obtain the victims’ bank cards and PIN.”

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Martinca, of Collard Avenue, Loughton, Essex, had fitted devices inside the card slot to make it appear that the machines had retained cards inserted into them.

The devices also recorded the PIN when entered by unsuspecting victims.

Police are set to begin the process of recovering stolen money from the fraudster through the Proceeds of Crime Act.

“Unfortunately, victims have lost several thousand pounds between them, but hopefully this sentencing and the prospect of some of the funds being recovered will be of some comfort,” the investigator added.