Matthew R. Molsen United States Attorney for the District of Nebraska | U.S. Attorney for the District of Nebraska
Four Romanian men have been sentenced for their involvement in an odometer fraud scheme. Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced the sentencing of the co-defendants, which took place on April 30 and May 1, 2025, under United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher.
Razan Trasca, aged 35 from Craiova, Romania, pled guilty to multiple counts of odometer fraud and possession of forged vehicle titles. He received a sentence of 30 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $53,260 in restitution.
Daniel Andronache, aged 28 also from Craiova, admitted to possessing a forged vehicle title. His sentence includes 38 months in prison with three years of supervised release and a restitution payment of $26,690.
Ionut Madalin Zamfir, aged 25 from Craiova, pled guilty to similar charges as Trasca. He was sentenced to 36 months in prison with three years of supervised release and must pay $38,500 in restitution.
Dudu Musi, aged 37 from Craiova, also admitted guilt regarding possession of a forged vehicle title. His sentence is set at 36 months in prison with three years of supervised release and a restitution order for $17,150.
The defendants entered the United States between approximately 2020 and 2022. From January 2022 to July 2024, they engaged in fraudulent activities involving high mileage vehicles across Nebraska and neighboring states. They rolled back odometers before reselling these vehicles at inflated prices using falsified titles that showed lower mileages.
In total, they were involved in the acquisition and sale of at least 23 vehicles through this scheme. The court determined that their actions resulted in a cumulative loss of $104,400 based on price discrepancies due to altered odometer readings.
Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen remarked on the impact: “These defendants defrauded ordinary citizens who were simply trying to stay within their budgets by buying used cars." He emphasized the gravity by noting that "they victimized American citizens after having been allowed to remain in the United States.”
Matthew Murphy from ICE Homeland Security Investigations Seattle commented on the collaboration efforts: “HSI works closely with our partners to identify and investigate anyone who comes to the U.S. to commit fraud.” He added that “the convictions and restitution ordered will support the victims who were defrauded through the defendants’ scheme."
Additionally noted was a separate incident involving Andronache and Zamfir being stopped near Blaine, Washington while transporting twelve Romanian citizens who had entered illegally into the U.S., leading to their previous conviction for conspiracy related charges before facing current charges.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations alongside the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles Fraud Unit.
