Vestavia Hills police arrest 6 in alleged scheme to sell vehicles with altered odometers

A month-long investigation by the Vestavia Hills Police Department has dismantled an organized vehicle theft, title fraud, and odometer tampering ring, resulting in the arrest of six individuals. Authorities believe the group preyed on victims across the Southeast who traveled to the area after finding fraudulent vehicle listings on social media.

The Investigation and Arrests

Those taken into custody are Amar Serban, 36, Alondra Serban, 21, Ramona Serban, 42, Marius Serban, 41, Marian Dumitru, 35, and Bernardo Mihai, 23. Each suspect is charged with first-degree theft of property and remains held in the Jefferson County Jail with bond set at over $1 million per person.

Capt. Mike Keller stated that investigators utilized a sophisticated approach over several weeks to crack the operation. Techniques included license plate reader technology, intelligence gathering, surveillance, and undercover work. During the probe, undercover investigators met with a suspect to discuss the purchase of vehicles that carried salvaged titles and falsified odometer readings.

After identifying a primary storage location for the vehicles, authorities executed search warrants in the 7000 block and 2400 block of Colony Park Drive, just off U.S. 280. The raids resulted in the seizure of multiple vehicles and additional evidence linked to the fraud.

A Warning to Online Buyers

The scope of the operation stretched far beyond Alabama, with victims identified throughout the Southeast. Many purchasers believed they were securing legitimate deals, only to later discover that the vehicles they bought were burdened with salvaged titles, inaccurate odometer readings, or fraudulent documentation.

Capt. Keller is urging the public to exercise extreme caution when navigating online marketplaces. Buyers should always independently verify a vehicle's history, title details, and odometer accuracy before finalizing any transaction.

Collaborative Efforts

The operation was a collaborative success involving several law enforcement partners, 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.

Officials are asking anyone with additional information regarding this case to contact Investigator Italiano with the Vestavia Hills Police Department at 205-978-0239 or contact Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. As reported by 205focus.com, the investigation remains ongoing.