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Romanian Man Faces Sentencing for $1.8 Million Fraud in Las Cruces

KVIA••Gabrielle Lopez
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Claudiu Pesteleu, a 44-year-old man from Romania, is set to be sentenced on June 4 in Las Cruces for his involvement in a fraud scheme that defrauded victims of over $1.8 million. Pesteleu participated in a nationwide operation using fake websites to solicit money for non-existent products, such as vehicles, between May 2023 and June 2024. The funds were funneled into bank accounts linked to shell companies created with fraudulent documents. He faces a plea agreement that suggests a prison sentence of 30 to 39 months. Homeland Security Investigations played a crucial role in the investigation, and Pesteleu is currently in the U.S. illegally. Victims are encouraged to report their cases to HSI.

Key Details: • Sentencing hearing scheduled for June 4 in Las Cruces. • Pesteleu operated under the alias Thomas Muller. • Victims can contact Homeland Security Investigations at 866-347-2423.

las-cruces crime homeland-security fraud sentencing

People & Organizations

Las CrucesHomeland Security InvestigationsU.S. Attorney's Office District of New MexicoClaudiu PesteleuThomas Muller

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