Three Romanian nationals, Radu Sava (28), Norvergianca Sava (21), and Octavian Kvec (18), were arrested in Utah on Tuesday, accused of committing theft and fraud at multiple retail locations. The men, who are wanted in another state, were detained after police received a tip from loss prevention agents at Target and Walmart.
According to the police affidavit, the suspects were using a method to confuse cashiers while making large purchases. After paying with cash, they would ask the cashier to verify the amount. During this process, they would covertly steal some of the money, causing the cashier to unknowingly shortchange them.
The group was later spotted at the City Creek Center in Salt Lake City, where they were taken into custody. Police found multiple stolen items in their vehicle.
The men, who have no known ties to Utah, were arrested for engaging in a pattern of unlawful activity, criminal conspiracy, and theft by deception. Additionally, Radu Sava faces three charges of forgery. All three are flagged by the FBI as organized crime suspects and have active warrants in South Carolina. They are also in the United States illegally.
