A Big Island man was scammed in a jewelry purchase in Kona. The individual selling the fake jewelry was subsequently arrested for theft.

A 33-year-old man from Washington, later identified as Vasile Calin, was arrested on Monday, July 11, 2022, in Kailua-Kona after a 62-year-old Big Island man reported he was a victim of theft. The Big Island resident told police he was approached by two men on Saturday, July 2, who told him that they were visitors and needed cash because their credit cards did not work. The 62-year-old then paid Calin an undisclosed amount of money in exchange for jewelry, which he was told was real 18-carat gold. However, after getting it appraised, the man learned that all the jewelry was fake.

With the assistance from the public and the victim, officers with Kona Patrol and Community Policing located Calin and subsequently arrested him. After conferral with the County Prosecutor’s Office, Calin was charged with theft in the first degree and criminal simulation. Calin posted the $5,500 bail and is scheduled to appear in Kona District Court on August 11.

Posts regarding a group of males soliciting jewelry in exchange for cash at public establishments on the island have recently been making the rounds on Big Island Thieves group. Police are urging the public to take precautions when purchasing items from individuals they are not familiar with.

As a reminder, police urge the public to take extra precautionary measures when purchasing items from individuals with whom they are not familiar. When purchasing jewelry from an individual, have it appraised by a licensed jeweler prior to purchasing it. As always, be sure to report all suspicious activity via the police department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.