Third robbery suspect arrested in years-long Bellevue theft investigation

A third suspect has been arrested in connection with a large-scale theft targeting older people throughout the region and Bellevue.

On Friday, the Bellevue Police Department (BPD) SWAT team and Special Enforcement Team served a residential warrant at the 13000 block of 105th Place N.E. in Kirkland, BPD announced.

The three suspects inside the residence, Simona Paun, 41, Maria Alexandra, 25, and Ion Miclescu, 21, all exited the home and were placed under arrest for the following crimes:

• Fugitive from justice for first-degree theft out of Oregon (Alexandra)
• Fugitive from justice for multiple robberies out of San Diego, California (Paun)
• Second-degree robbery (Miclescu)

Following the arrests, BPD detectives searched the residence and found substantial evidence that connected the suspects to crimes throughout the region, including Bellevue, such as clothing worn during the crimes.

During a long-term theft investigation by BPD, detectives observed the suspects use a white Honda Accord to target community members at a senior living center.

“The suspects then continued this activity at a local grocery store a couple of blocks away,” BPD stated in its crime blotter.

Tailing the suspects on I-5 and then I-405, detectives stopped the vehicle in Kirkland and arrested the suspects for first-degree theft and first-degree robbery. Both suspects were transported to the King County Jail for booking, while their car was impounded.

The end of a years-long theft investigation

BPD has been investigating the suspects since the summer of 2024. The department described their operation as “a large-scale crime organization.”

Their operation primarily targeted older people within the Bellevue community, stealing high-value jewelry from their possession through deception.

“While the suspects have used strong-armed tactics, most victims were often not aware they had their jewelry taken from them until after the suspects fled the scene,” BPD wrote.

Paun was initially arrested on April 8 but released on bail the following day. She was then booked into the King County Jail (KCJ) on April 10 with a bail set at $350,000. Alexandra was booked into KCJ on April 10 but released on $10,000 bail on April 12. Miclescu was transferred to the Lynnwood Police Department for crimes in that jurisdiction.

The department is asking anyone who has experienced this kind of theft to call them. Additionally, Jim Fuda, the Vice Chairman of Crime Stoppers, warns people to always stay vigilant when strangers approach them — even if they seem well-intentioned.

“Look at the body language of the people who are asking for help,” Fuda said. “Do they look nervous? Are they concentrating on your wrist or your jewelry? Are they looking you in the eyes?”

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