International Fraudsters Busted For ID Theft: Police

NASHVILLE, TN -- Metro Police arrested a Frenchman and a Romanian Saturday in Green Hills, alleging they ran an identity theft scheme.

First Tennessee Bank's security team contacted police after the bank's Abbott Martin Road branch's ATM was allegedly used as part of a scam using encoded debit cards to withdraw thousands from people's bank accounts.

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The bank was able to provide a license plate number and suspect description to detectives, who arrested 39-year-old Dragos Diaconu and 35-year-old Daniel Gargarita, who were carrying a French and Romanian passport, respectively.

Police say they found $5,000 in cash and 32 encoded cards inside the pair's car.

The Secret Service and the Department of Homeland Security are assisting with the investigation.

Earlier this month, Metro Police arrested seven people in Green Hills accused in a similar scheme.

Photos via Metro Nashville Police