LOS ANGELES, CA – Two Romanian nationals were arrested in connection with the alleged theft of a $2,000 gold necklace, authorities said, as police warned residents to remain vigilant against a scam that has reportedly targeted multiple victims.
The suspects, identified as Dinu Adelina, 29, and Miclescu Cosmin, 34, were taken into custody after an investigation led by the Irvine Police Department’s Crime Impact Unit (CIU) and the Investigations Bureau. Authorities said the pair were involved in a “jewelry switch” scam, in which thieves engage victims in conversation before secretly swapping their valuable jewelry for counterfeit items.
According to police, a recent incident in the Culverdale neighborhood resulted in a victim losing a gold necklace valued at $2,000. The Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) swiftly identified a suspect vehicle and tracked its movements, leading detectives to Los Angeles County, where they conducted several days of surveillance and follow-up investigations.
The suspects returned to Irvine on Saturday, where officers stopped and arrested them. They were booked at Orange County Jail on charges of conspiracy and grand theft, with bail set at $500,000.
“We are showing the suspect’s faces because we believe there are possibly other victims of their scheme,” Irvine police said in a statement, urging anyone with information to come forward. Authorities are continuing their investigation and seeking additional victims who may have been targeted.
Residents are advised to exercise caution when approached by strangers offering jewelry or gifts, as scammers often use distraction techniques to steal valuables. Law enforcement officials encourage victims of such crimes to report incidents immediately.
