Jewelry scammers arrested in Fairbanks

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - Over the past few weeks, law enforcement agencies across the state have received dozens of reports of individuals with foreign accents scamming Alaskan residents with fake gold jewelry.

The scammers were reported to be approaching people with jewelry and giving a variety of fake stories, such as they need money to return to their home country and offer gold jewelry at a low cash price, according to a dispatch report.

On Friday, Sept. 22, Alaska State Troopers (AST) received a tip that the scammers were actively working at a local shopping area parking lot.

AST observed their actions and eventually initiated a traffic stop and detained two Romanian male suspects for questioning.

During the investigation, troopers determined that these two Romanian males knowingly sold fake jewelry to Alaskans as part of a larger criminal conspiracy involving several people.

21-year-old Valentin Miclescu was arrested for using a fake Romanian identification card to include using it for air travel. 21-year-old Ion Boceanu was arrested for Theft in the 2nd Degree for using a debit card not in his name.

Both men were remanded to the Fairbanks Correctional Center. Their co-conspirators may still be at large.

AST is seeking information from anyone scammed by these individuals. Those approached by the scammers are asked to contact the Alaska State Troopers at (907) 451-5100 and reference case number ak23102128.

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