The Numismatic Crime Information Center (NCIC), together with international law enforcement partners in the U.K., New York Police Department (NYPD) Organized Crime Detail and Jewelers Security Alliance, have been tracking Roma gang members targeting coin shops across the U.S.
During the past 90 days, the NCIC has sent out alerts with photos of suspects using coin distractions and quick change thefts when trying to purchase coins.
On Nov. 29, NYPD officers arrested one of the main suspects, Ioan Bulauca, in these offenses. Three other subjects were also detained but not arrested.
The suspects were highly mobile nationwide, and several offenses were thwarted by dealers receiving the email crime alerts and sharing this information with employees and other dealers.
Bulauca is currently in custody of the NYPD.
The NCIC can provide additional information to investigating agencies.
Anyone with any additional information or who has been a victim, contact Doug Davis at 817-723-7231 or doug@numismaticcrimes.org.