The Irvine Police Department has released photos of two Romanian nationals who allegedly perpetrated a “jewelry switch scam” in Culverdale, and investigators believe there could be more victims.
Last week, one person had a gold necklace worth $2,000 stolen by Dinu Adelina, 29, and Miclescu Cosmin, 34, police said on social media.
“In these cases, suspects engage victims in a conversation and then offer them a piece of jewelry as a thank you for their help or to ‘honor’ them,” police said. “While the suspects place fake jewelry on the victim, they remove their valuable jewelry.”
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Dinu Adelina and Miclescu Cosmin are shown in a Feb. 8, 2025, image provided by the Irvine Police Department. -
Miclescu Cosmin is shown in a Feb. 8, 2025, image provided by the Irvine Police Department. -
Dinu Adelina is shown in a Feb. 8, 2025, image provided by the Irvine Police Department. -
Jewelry allegedly stolen by Dinu Adelina and Miclescu Cosmin is shown in a Feb. 8, 2025, image provided by the Irvine Police Department.
Investigators found the pair in Lois Angeles County and “spent days conducting surveillance and follow-up to build a strong case” before the Romanians returned to Irvine and were taken into custody on Feb. 8, police said.
They were booked into Orange County Jail for grand theft and criminal conspiracy, and they are being held in lieu of $500,000 bail. Neither appeared in a search of jail records.
Police are searching for more victims, and anyone with information about this pair or similar schemes is asked to email [email protected].
The public is also asked to be cognizant of the jewelry they wear in public, as it can attract thieves.
