ICE seeks public’s help in locating badge
counterfeiter
believed to be in Germany
In July 2013, a man was watching a movie at a theatre in
Michigan, wearing body armor and carrying a firearm. When approached by police,
he presented a counterfeit Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) badge and
credentials.
In January 2014, a man
attempted to gain access to the secure area of Reagan National Airport using a
counterfeit CIA badge, but was prevented from doing so after Transportation
Security Administration officers noticed inconsistencies with the man’s statements
and credentials.
In August 2015, a man was indicted for impersonating
a federal law enforcement agent. He used a counterfeit Homeland Security
Investigations (HSI) badge and credentials to enter the Naval Nuclear Training
Command in South Carolina while armed with a Sig Sauer pistol.
All three of these situations
have one thing in common; the badges and credentials originated from a
German-based company called Master Equipment.
Master
Equipment is operated by 34-year-old Roberto Craciunica, a Romanian man
believed to be residing in Germany. Craciunica was indicted in October 2015 in
the Eastern District of Virginia for a variety of charges related to
manufacturing and distributing counterfeit badges, including trafficking in
counterfeit goods; smuggling; and possession, sale or transportation of false
seals. Interpol has also issued a Red Notice for Craciunica’s arrest.
From
January 2010 to September 2015, Craciunica’s company, Master Equipment, manufactured and distributed counterfeit U.S. law
enforcement badges from HSI, the CIA and the Federal Bureau of Investigation
without authorization. Craciunica sold these badges through websites like www.badge-police.com and www.master-equipment.org. Craciunica and his co-conspirators instructed buyers
to pay for the counterfeit badges by sending funds through Western Union and
Paypal. They then shipped the counterfeit badges from Kaarst, Germany, to
buyers in the United States. Individuals utilized the badges and credentials to
impersonate federal agents and officers of the U.S. government, and in some
situations, attempted to gain access to restricted areas.
As
part of this investigation, HSI Washington, D.C., special agents seized
counterfeit badges and seals purchased from Web domains operated by Master
Equipment and Craciunica.
The Washington Metropolitan
Airport Authority, the U.S. Marshals Service for the Eastern District of Virginia
and the U.S. Marshals Service Headquarters Tactical Operations Division
assisted with the investigation.
HSI reminds individuals that
it is illegal to purchase and display law enforcement badges and credentials. If
you have information on Craciunica’s whereabouts, please contact U.S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2ICE or www.ICE.gov/tips.
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