CHARGED in connection with a major credit card fraud operation that has been uncovered in Limerick, a Moldovan national has appeared again at Limerick District Court and remains in custody.
Vitalii Pascari, with an address at River Road, Rhebogue, Limerick was arrested and charged in relation to the international operation after gardai seized a “substantial amount of equipment” used for skimming credit and laser cards.
Garda were alerted after a freight consignment containing the devices was discovered at a major entry port to the country and 33-year-old Vitalii Pascari appeared for a third time last week at the court.
In a history making video link, where a Moldovan interpreter was used, the court heard that the State had seized a bank account with over €16,000 in the name of the accused and an investigation as to any other assets belonging to Pascari had revealed that the account was all that was in his possession.
Murish Gavin was appointed as legal aid for the accused man after he was originally refused bail and remanded in custody.
Pascari has been charged with eight offences under the Theft and Fraud Offences Act.
Gardai discovered the “skimming” devices, as well as a workshop used for the manufacture and distribution of fraudulent credit cards. The devices were similar to those previously placed on ATM machines
Pascari was subsequently arrested and charged in connection with the fraud, after what Garda Brendan Stokes noted as being a lengthy surveillance operation involving customs officers and a number of gardai.
As a resident with an Irish Passport, Pascari was denied bail after the State objected due to the nature of the charge.
A bail application is currently before the High Court and the file is to be sent to the DPP but the State foresees that this will take some time due to the nature of charges before the court.
Gardai have alleged that the workshop was used to make false laser, visa and gift cards and it is claimed to be part of an international organisation.
The Garda Bureau of Fraud, as well as Interpol, have been offering their assistance as investigations continue into this operation, which was described as well financed and well organised.
Pascari was further remanded in custody until March 16 next to appear via video link from Limerick Prison.
