Overview
- Deputies arrested Iulian Mihai, 19, and Decebal Mihai, 36, after arranging a follow-up meeting with a Newcastle seller who reported a suspicious test drive.
- The men were booked into South Placer Jail on suspicion of theft by false pretenses, conspiracy, possession of counterfeit registration materials, and identity theft.
- Investigators say the scheme involves introducing oil into a seller’s engine during a test drive to create smoke and pressure a quick sale at a steep discount.
- A search of the suspects’ vehicle uncovered counterfeit documents along with evidence of identity theft, according to the Placer County Sheriff’s Office.
- The Regional Auto Theft Task Force linked the 4Runner the suspects drove to an earlier Bay Area scam in which the owner sold her car for less than 25% of its value, and the probe remains ongoing.