KPSM officers and French gendarmerie cooperated in confiscating skimming equipment found in the suspects’ car and rental apartment.
PHILIPSBURG--St. Maarten Police Force KPSM has arrested two Bulgarian nationals involved in an ATM skimming operation on the island. The suspects, identified by their initials N.Z.V. and G.N.S., were caught while installing skimming devices on an ATM machine.
The police intervention took place in the early hours of Thursday, March 27, when Central Dispatch of KPSM received a report of two men placing skimming instruments on an ATM located on L.B. Scott Road. The report also indicated that the suspects were driving a small white vehicle heading toward A.J.C. Brouwer Road.
Multiple police patrols were immediately dispatched to the area. Officers quickly intercepted the vehicle and, upon searching it, found several instruments commonly used for skimming activities. The suspects were promptly arrested and transported to the Philipsburg Police Station for further investigation.
During questioning, authorities discovered that one of the suspects had previously been arrested and convicted in St. Maarten for a similar offence. Despite being banned from the island, he managed to return via the French side.
A search of the suspect’s rented residence, conducted with the cooperation of French authorities, led to the discovery and confiscation of a large number of skimming cards and additional skimming equipment.
Both suspects remain in police custody as the investigation continues.
KPSM urges financial institutions and the general public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to ATM usage.
To reduce the risk of ATM fraud, KPSM advises the public to take precautions. Before using an ATM, inspect the machine for any unusual devices attached to the card slot or keypad.
Always shield the keypad when entering your PIN to prevent hidden cameras from capturing your information. Be mindful of your surroundings, and if you notice suspicious individuals near an ATM, avoid completing your transaction and report the situation to the authorities.
Whenever possible, use ATMs located inside banks or in well-lit, high-traffic areas. If you suspect that an ATM has been tampered with, immediately inform the bank and the police.
Regularly monitor your bank statements for any unauthorised transactions to detect potential fraud early.
For more information or to report suspicious activities, contact KPSM’s Communication Department at +1 (721) 542- 9128 or visit their website at www.policesxm.sx.
