California Police Looking For More Victims Of Romanian Pair’s ‘Jewelry Switch Scam’

Police in California are searching for additional victims of a pair of Romanian nationals arrested in connection with a so-called “jewelry switch scam.”

The Irvine Police Department this week shared photos of the suspects arrested Saturday — Dinu Adelina, 29, and Miclescu Cosmin, 34, of Romania — in the hope that other victims may come forward.

Police siad a victim last week had a $2,000 gold necklace stolen during a jewelry switch scam. The scam involves a suspect engaging a victim in conversation then offering a piece of jewelry to thank them for their help or “to honor them,” police said. When the scammer places the fake jewelry on the victim, they surreptitiously remove the victim’s more valuable jewelry.

In that case, police located a possible suspect vehicle and license plate, and detectives located the car on Los Angeles County. Detectives conducted surveillance for “days,” and when Adelina and Cosmin returned to Irvine on Saturday, they were taken into custody. Police said “numerous” pieces of costume jewelry were found inside their vehicle. 

Adelina and Cosmin were booked into the Orange County Jail for conspiracy and grand theft. Their bail was set at $500,000.

“We are showing the suspect’s faces because we believe there are possibly other victims of their scheme,” police said. “Please get in touch with mmahmood@cityofirvine.org if you have any information about this duo or to report similar cases.”

Police warned members of the public to be cautious and keep their distance if approached by a stranger, and to be mindful of attracting thieves’ attention when wearing expensive jewelry in public.