Bat Yam Man Arrested Over Sophisticated ATM Skimming and Fraud Scheme
Israel Police arrested Viacheslav Bolin from Bat Yam for allegedly installing ATM skimming devices, stealing 120,000 shekels, and facing 27 prior fraud indictments.
Israel Police are investigating Viacheslav Bolin, a resident of Bat Yam, on suspicion of installing skimming devices on ATMs and fraudulently withdrawing funds. Authorities suspect that over recent months, he copied debit card details and carried out hundreds of unauthorized withdrawals from various accounts.
According to investigators, approximately 120,000 shekels have been withdrawn using the counterfeit cards. Bolin currently faces 27 pending indictments in various other cases involving similar patterns of fraud and forgery.
Court Hearing and Seized Equipment
During a hearing at the Tel Aviv Magistrates' Court, police requested a nine-day extension of his detention. A police representative stated that the suspect "installs technological skimming devices on ATM machines, through which he forges and copies debit cards and withdraws large sums of money."
A search of the suspect's residence yielded a forgery device, electronic components, and additional technological equipment. Police maintain that this gear is directly used for copying and forging debit cards.
Resistance and Destruction of Evidence
During cross-examination, the police representative confirmed that the case involves "at least 10 ATMs and hundreds of cash withdrawals from various accounts." The new complaints are unrelated to previous pending cases against the suspect.
"The suspect linked himself to the equipment and machinery found in his possession and at his home," the police representative testified.
Officers stated that upon arriving to execute the search warrant, Bolin refused to open the door, forcing police to break it down. Investigators alleged he also attempted to destroy evidence at the scene.
Bolin's defense attorney, Liran Berkerman from the Public Defender's Office, did not oppose the continuation of the investigation but asked the judge to shorten the detention period and closely monitor progress. While acknowledging reasonable suspicion based on video footage, seized equipment, and citizen complaints, Berkerman emphasized that further substantial checks are necessary.
Judge Tzipora Moshe ruled that sufficient evidentiary foundations exist to justify the detention, noting clear grounds related to public danger and potential obstruction of justice. She extended Bolin's detention by three days.
