Vestavia Hills police arrest 6 in alleged scheme to sell vehicles with altered odometers
Authorities have identified numerous victims from throughout the southeast.
Mason Reed 
A month-long investigation by the Vestavia Hills Police Department has dismantled an organized criminal ring involved in vehicle theft, title fraud, and odometer tampering. Six suspects were taken into custody following the comprehensive probe, which ultimately linked the group to victims across the southeast.
Suspects and Charges
Authorities have charged Amar Serban (36), Alondra Serban (21), Ramona Serban (42), Marius Serban (41), Marian Dumitru (35), and Bernardo Mihai (23) with first-degree theft of property. All six individuals are currently being held in the Jefferson County Jail, each facing a bond set at over $1 million.
The Investigation
According to Capt. Mike Keller, Vestavia Hills investigators utilized a variety of advanced tactics to crack the case, including surveillance operations, intelligence gathering, undercover work, and license plate reader technology. The breakthrough occurred when undercover officers met with a suspect tied to the sale of vehicles featuring salvaged titles and manipulated odometer readings.
The investigation led to the identification of a storage site for the vehicles, followed by the execution of search warrants at residences located on Colony Park Drive near U.S. 280. Police successfully seized multiple vehicles and significant evidence during these raids.
A Warning to Buyers
Many of the victims in this case were lured by listings on social media platforms, believing they were purchasing legitimate vehicles. Instead, they were left with fraudulent documentation and vehicles that did not match their stated history.
Capt. Keller is urging the public to exercise extreme caution when purchasing vehicles through online marketplaces or social media. He advises buyers to independently verify vehicle history reports, title documentation, and odometer accuracy before finalizing any transaction.
Collaborative Effort
The Vestavia Hills Police Department received support from several agencies throughout the investigation, including the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office, Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Hoover and Vance Police Departments, the Coaling Police Department, and the ALDOT Office of Enforcement.
Law enforcement officials are encouraging anyone with additional information regarding this alleged scheme to contact Investigator Italiano with the Vestavia Hills Police Department at 205-978-0239, or reach out to Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
