Alleged jewelry-stealing con artists wanted in Fairfax County

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. - Fairfax County police are looking for jewelry-stealing con artists.

Police say they’ve identified one of the suspects linked to a string of thefts across the county. 

What we know:

Investigators say the woman is targeting people at shopping centers, conning them out of their jewelry by swapping it with fake pieces. 

There are at least four alleged victims of this jewelry-stealing scam the incidents all happened within just a few hours. 

Police say a suspect would approach people in parking lots, sometimes claiming it was her birthday, then would go in for a hug, and in that quick moment, they say she would swap out the victim’s real jewelry with fake pieces. 

What they're saying:

Investigators are asking for your help in finding the suspect they've identified in two of the thefts. 

They say on March 20, 21-year-old Cristina Milhaela Paun of Baltimore stole from a woman in Springfield. She allegedly approached a woman returning a shopping cart. They started talking about jewelry and even put a ring on the victim’s finger, then hugged her. 

Investigators say that’s when the necklace was taken. 

Fairfax County police also shared video showing a white SUV believed to be connected, circling through a shopping center multiple times. 

Around the same time in Chantilly, police say another victim was targeted after being asked for directions. During that interaction, her real necklace was replaced with a fake one. 

Then it happened again in Herndon, and about 25 minutes later in Franconia — another victim says two women worked together with one distracting her, the other swapping out her jewelry. 

"I think shark is the best word to describe the behavior that we saw in these suspects. They are swarming around these parking lots, lingering and looking for what they perceive to be a victim, and they’re attacking," said Major James Curry with the Fairfax County Police Department. 

Detectives used surveillance and license plate readers to track one of the vehicles.  

Delaware State Police detained Paun during a traffic stop but released her since authorities hadn’t confirmed her identity until now. As of now, Paun remains on the run. 

Local perspective:

"It is scary, especially me. As a woman, I go around and do my grocery shopping alone," said Alma Boleda, a resident of Springfield. 

"To be honest, I'm not blaming the victim, but come on, you've got to keep your head on a swivel," another Springfield resident, Ed Carryon, said. 

Police say the investigation is ongoing and believe there could be more victims. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact Fairfax County Police.