Fake Federal Agents Target Vulnerable Communities
Two teenagers have been arrested for allegedly impersonating federal law enforcement agents to rob Hispanic individuals in Anaheim and across the Western United States.
Arrest and charges
Laurentiu Baceanu and Vasile Alexandru, both 19, were apprehended on Thursday night, just hours after committing two robberies in Anaheim, according to the Anaheim Police Department‘s news release. The suspects approached victims, claimed to be Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, demanded cash, and fled in a blue SUV.
Officers located the suspects’ blue Audi Q7 SUV in Fullerton and arrested Baceanu and Alexandru. Both teens face multiple charges, including several counts of robbery, and are being held without bail. Baceanu is detained at the Theo Lacy Facility, while Alexandru’s whereabouts were not listed in jail records.
Pattern of robberies
Authorities believe the duo committed similar robberies in Anaheim, Orange County, and other parts of the Western United States. They targeted Hispanic individuals by posing as law enforcement officers, using a badge to demand victims’ property. Besides the Audi SUV, they also used a silver or gray Volkswagen Atlas SUV.
Call for information
Investigators are urging anyone with information to contact Robbery Detective John Carey at 714-765-1973 or JCarey@anaheim.net, the Robbery-Major Assaults Detail at 714-765-1947, or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS or occrimestoppers.org.
The arrests highlight the need for vigilance and the dangers posed by individuals exploiting vulnerable communities through deception and impersonation.