Victims sought in cash-for-gold scam

The Fairfax County Police Department is seeking more victims in a cash-for-gold robbery scheme.

In one incident, a victim was driving home on Oct. 29, when he saw three people on the side of Interstate 495, the FCPD reports. He stopped to help them.

A woman told him the stranded group needed money to continue their travels. She showed the victim a watch and gold jewelry and requested cash in exchange for the items.

She convinced the victim to drive to an ATM. Two men in a black SUV followed the victim and woman. The victim quickly realized this was likely a scam. He stopped in a parking lot and got out of his car.

A man got out of the SUV and told the victim to sit in the driver’s seat while he drove the victim to four ATMs in Fairfax County to obtain money. They forced the victim to withdraw money. Once the victim’s accounts were empty, the suspects left and he called 911.

Officers believed this crew was likely operating a scam in the area and continued to search for the black SUV used in the crime.

On Nov. 3, an officer saw a gray Chevrolet Tahoe that appeared to be disabled on the Dulles Toll Road. The officer conducted a traffic stop and identified the occupants as Magdalena Mazil, 39; Hagi Voinescu, 36; and Romeo Voinescu, 23, all from Baltimore. Officers obtained consent to search the vehicle and found large amounts of fake gold jewelry.

After further investigation, officers obtained warrants for abduction and four counts of robbery for all three individuals.

An additional two warrants for preventing someone from calling 911 was issued for Hagi. Two additional warrants for preventing a telephone call were obtained for Magdalena. An additional warrant for a driver failing to report an accident was issued for Romeo.

On Nov. 22, Baltimore City detectives arrested Hagi and Magdalena. Romeo remains on the loose.

FCPD believes the suspects were involved in other crimes in the area. Anyone with information about this crime or who believes they were a victim of the scam, should call FCPD at 703-691-2131. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers.