Romanian National On FBI Top 5 Wanted List For Cyber Fraud

Claudiu Virgil Turlea, 31, is wanted for his involvement in a criminal enterprise organization believed responsible for a series of fraud schemes totaling $4.3 million. These schemes occurred between January and July of 2008.

Members of the organization allegedly hacked into bank accounts of US businesses through fraudulently obtained login credentials, and wire transferred hundreds of thousands of dollars into bank accounts controlled by him and his co-conspirators.

The organization is also alleged to have defrauded thousands of victims through an internet fraud scheme in which victims would bid on fictitious items advertised on online auction sites.

In July 2008, authorities in Ohio issued a federal arrest warrant after Turlea was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, bank fraud, and computer fraud, as well as conspiracy laundering of monetary instruments.

The FBI also notes Turlea is a known member of a Romanian organized crime syndicate and he may be located in Canada.