Cranston Police Department Announces Arrest in Major ATM Skimming Case
Colonel Michael J. Winquist, Chief of Police, announces the arrest of Ivan Gomez Liriano, a 33-year-old male from 137 Woodland St, West Springfield, MA, in connection with a sophisticated ATM skimming operation targeting area credit unions. This arrest highlights a significant breakthrough in the fight against digital financial crimes in the area.
Gomez Liriano has been charged with multiple counts of felony crimes, including computer access fraud, intentional access and alteration of computer data, and conspiracy to commit these felonies. The incidents occurred at various locations, including two local credit union branches in the City of Cranston, where the suspect allegedly installed skimming devices to capture unsuspecting victims’ credit and debit card information.
The successful resolution of this case resulted from diligent investigative work by Cranston Police Detectives, led by Detective Sergeant Jeff Chapman, in close collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies. The operation spanned several weeks, beginning with the first reports of suspicious ATM activities on March 6, 2024, and culminating in Gomez Liriano’s eventual arrest in Springfield, MA, on March 29, 2024. He was extradited to the City of Cranston on April 16, 2024.
A vital tool in identifying Gomez Liriano was the FLOCK license plate recognition system, which provided critical data regarding the suspect vehicle used and the suspect’s movements. The system identified the suspect’s car at various locations close to the crime scenes, providing
essential leads that helped piece together the suspect’s movements and ultimately facilitated his capture in Massachusetts.
Colonel Winquist commended the hard work and persistence of his team. “This arrest is a testament to the value of our FLOCK automated license plate reader technology coupled with the relentless efforts of our Detectives, who worked tirelessly to end this criminal operation,” said Colonel Winquist. “We are also immensely grateful for the assistance provided by our federal law enforcement partners, including the United States Secret Service, whose support was crucial in navigating this complex case.”
Judge Houlihan set bail at $5,000 surety for Gomez Liriano. His next court date will be in July. The suspect’s arrest not only represents a victory for the Cranston Police Department but also serves as a stern warning to others who might consider engaging in similar illicit activities. The Cranston Police Department remains committed to safeguarding the financial security of our community members and will continue to use all resources at our disposal to combat financial
crimes effectively.
