MA Man Installs ATM Skimmers At Local Credit Unions: Cranston Police

CRANSTON, RI — A Massachusetts man was arrested after Cranston police said he targeted local credit unions in a sophisticated ATM skimming scheme.

Ivan Gomez Liriano, 33, of West Springfield, Massachusetts, was charged with several felonies, including computer access fraud, intentional access and alteration of computer data, and conspiracy to commit these felonies.

According to police, two local credit union branches were targeted in Cranston. Police said Liriano installed skimming devices on their ATMs to steal victims' credit and debit card information.

According to police, the investigation into the scheme began on March 6, when officers received reports of suspicious ATM transactions. It ended with Liriano's arrest in Springfield, Massachusetts, on March 29. Liriano was extradited to Cranston on Tuesday.

Police said a vital tool in catching Liriano was the FLOCK license plate recognition system. It provided key data regarding Liriano's vehicle and where he was going, police said. Police said they were able to use the tool to match his car to various crime scenes.

"This arrest is a testament to the value of our FLOCK automated license plate reader technology coupled with the relentless efforts of our detectives, who worked tirelessly to end this criminal operation," Cranston Police Chief Michael Winquist said. "We are also immensely grateful for the assistance provided by our federal law enforcement partners, including the United States Secret Service, whose support was crucial in navigating this complex case."

Liriano's bail was sett at $5,000 with surety. He is scheduled to return to court sometime in July.

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