Two men have recently been taken into custody by the Anaheim Police Department for allegedly pretending to be officers from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in order to steal money from Latino residents. The incidents occurred on Thursday between 5 and 6 p.m., with the first robbery happening on the 900 block of South Euclid Street and the second at the intersection of Brookhurst Street and La Palma Avenue.
The suspects have been identified as Laurentiu Baceanu and Vasile Alexandru, both 19 years old according to a news release. However, jail records show that Baceanu is actually 20 years old. The victims reported that the two men spoke Spanish, showed fake badges, and demanded money from them before fleeing in a blue SUV. Despite not being armed, the suspects are facing multiple counts of robbery and have been detained without bail.
This is not the first time such a crime has been reported in the area. In the past, similar incidents have occurred where individuals posed as ICE officials to exploit vulnerable immigrants. The Anaheim Police Department is currently collaborating with various agencies at the local, state, and federal levels to investigate the matter further.
Sgt. Jon McClintock stated that this type of robbery has been happening across California for several weeks and that there are potential connections between the cases. The department is looking into other possible suspects and accomplices involved in these crimes. They have also identified the vehicles believed to be used in these incidents, including a silver or gray Volkswagen Atlas SUV and a blue Audi Q7 SUV.
McClintock encouraged other victims to come forward and share any relevant information with the authorities. He reassured undocumented individuals that their immigration status would not be questioned if they report a crime, emphasizing that the Anaheim Police Department does not engage in immigration enforcement.
In light of these events, it is crucial for community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement. By working together and staying informed, residents can help prevent further incidents of fraud and exploitation in their neighborhoods. If you have any information related to this case, please contact Detective John Carey at (714) 765-1973 or JCarey@anaheim.net.
It is important for everyone to be aware of potential scams and fraudulent schemes targeting vulnerable populations. By staying informed and reporting any criminal activities, we can create a safer and more secure environment for all residents. Remember, if you see something, say something. Your cooperation can make a difference in preventing crime and protecting our community.