Two men, with no ties to Utah, were arrested for their involvement in a jewelry scam outside a Costco in Orem, Utah.
The suspects, Liviu Miclescu, 37, and Bogdan Ghinea, 35, face multiple charges. Miclescu is suspected of criminal simulation over $1,500 (a third-degree felony), driving without insurance, and other traffic-related offenses. Ghinea faces a similar charge of criminal simulation valued over $1,500.
The incident unfolded around 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday when a Utah County Sheriff’s deputy responded to a report of a scam at Costco. A witness reported that two men approached him and tried to sell a ring. They were described as wearing white dress shirts without ties, having thick accents, and driving a white Chevy Traverse with an Arizona license plate.
The deputy checked the Costco and mall parking lots and was about to leave when he spotted the suspect vehicle. He followed the car and initiated a traffic stop.
Upon speaking to the driver, Miclescu, and the passenger, Ghinea, neither of them had valid identification. They did, however, show the deputy pictures of a Romanian passport or ID card. Further investigation revealed that the vehicle’s registration had been suspended due to a lack of insurance.
When Miclescu was asked to step out of the vehicle, the deputy discovered gold jewelry inside the door compartment. Miclescu allegedly told the officer that the jewelry was fake and was intended to be sold for food or gas money.
Several more pieces of fake jewelry, including rings and necklaces, were found. Ghinea confirmed the items were his, stating, “It’s all fake and from China.”
Both men were arrested and booked into the Utah County Jail.
