Man with Ties to International FraudArrested in Porter County with Over 130 Fraudulent Credit Cards, Fake Passports, and Skimming Devices
A Moldovan national is facing multiple felony charges after a traffic stop on I-90 in Porter County led to the discovery of over 130 fraudulent credit cards, multiple skimming devices, and fake passports, according to an affidavit filed.
According to the affidavit filed by a U.S. Secret Service Special Agent, 41-year-old Anatolie Cataraga, of Pennsylvania was pulled over on May 10 around 2:03 p.m. by a DEA Task Force Officer for tailgating a semi-truck. The traffic stop occurred near mile marker 40 on I-90 eastbound.
Cataraga initially identified himself as Constantin Catana and presented a Moldovan government ID card. Through a translator device, he agreed to a vehicle search, during which the officer discovered a hidden satchel behind the dashboard air vent. The satchel contained approximately 120 low quality credit cards and three passports, two Moldovan and one Romanian, all bearing Cataraga’s photo but under different names.
Further inspection revealed multiple electronic skimming devices concealed in the same compartment. Cataraga was transported to the Hobart Police Department, where investigators found a total of 131 access device cards, none bearing his name. Each card appeared to contain stolen personal information and PIN codes linked to FDIC insured financial institutions.
The U.S. Secret Service determined that the skimming devices and counterfeit cards were consistent with tools commonly used in large-scale identity theft and bank fraud operations.
Cataraga now faces the following charges:
- Fraud on a Financial Institution (Level 5 Felony)
- Identity Deception (Level 5 Felony)
- Three Counts of Fraud (Level 6 Felony)
- Unlawful Possession of a Card Skimming Device (Level 6 Felony)
All evidence, including the counterfeit cards, devices, and passports, has been secured by the Hobart Police Department. The case remains under federal investigation.
