PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The Pender County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation have uncovered what they describe as a large-scale Moldovan and Russian money laundering scheme involving online fraud and antique cars.
The SBI and Pender County Sheriff’s Office arrested Valentin Virlizanu of Raleigh on Sunday with help from the Raleigh Police Department. Authorities have also issued an arrest warrant for his brother, Vasile Virlizanu, who remains at large. The SBI is asking for the public’s help in locating him.
Both men are facing multiple felony charges, including conspiracy, money laundering, obtaining property by false pretenses, and use of a government computer to defraud.
Valentin Virlizanu was booked into the Pender County Detention Center and later released on a $25,000 bond.
Investigators allege the brothers operated under the names Specialty Vehicles of Tulsa and Bonucci Auto of Arizona where they would advertise and sell antique cars online. Victims reportedly sent payments but never received the vehicles. The SBI estimates the scheme may have stolen up to $3 million.
The SBI is asking anyone who believes they may have been defrauded by these individuals or businesses to contact their Coastal District Office at 910-939-6200.
No Comment! Be the first one.