the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hasbrouck Heights NJ, a yearlong investigation by Bergen County authorities has led to charges against two Romanian men accused of orchestrating a gold-for-bitcoin scam that defrauded victims out of nearly $289,000. The suspects, identified as Ciprian A. Tiber and Ahmed Zarei, remain at large and are believed to be in Romania, according to officials.
The Fraudulent Exchange
The case began in September 2023 when Hasbrouck Heights police flagged a suspicious transaction involving a gold-for-bitcoin trade. The supposed deal involved gold valued at $289,000, but investigators discovered the gold was fake.
Unraveling the Scam
The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit traced the bitcoin through multiple cryptocurrency wallets in a complex web of transfers designed to conceal the fraud. The trail eventually linked the digital assets to Tiber and Zarei, prosecutors said.
Both men face charges of theft by deception and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Prosecutor’s Warning on Cryptocurrency Scams
Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella highlighted the growing sophistication of cryptocurrency scams:
“Cryptocurrency scams are sophisticated and can be difficult to detect, but investigators in Bergen County will make every effort to shine a light on schemes that look to take advantage of the popularity surrounding cryptocurrency. Victims often lose significant amounts of money in all different types of scams, and cryptocurrency fraud is just the latest medium that some may use to perpetrate frauds. Stay vigilant in all dealings, especially those online and involving cryptocurrency.”
Seeking Public Assistance
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the case or the whereabouts of the suspects to contact the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Tips Line at 201-226-5532.
This case underscores the importance of caution in cryptocurrency transactions and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat digital fraud. Stay informed and vigilant to protect yourself from scams in this rapidly evolving space.
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