KEANU ASHTAR-ZADEH, AGE 21 of DRACUT, was arrested on Jan. 8, following an investigation into a social media marketplace scam. (Photo Courtesy Wilmington Police) The fake gold bar that was sold in the online transaction. (Photo Courtesy Wilmington Police) Confiscated items from ASHTAR-ZADEH following an investigation into a social media marketplace scam. (Photo Courtesy Wilmington Police)
WILMINGTON — Chief Brian Pupa reports that the Wilmington Police Department arrested and charged a Dracut man with larceny following an investigation into a social media scam.
KEANU ASHTAR-ZADEH, AGE 21 of DRACUT, was arrested and charged with:
- Attempt to Commit Felony Crime of Larceny over $1,200.
- Intimidation of a Witness/Official
- Larceny over $1,200 by False Pretense
- Identity Fraud
On Dec. 20, Wilmington Police received a report from an individual who believed they were the subject of a scam.
The victim reported that he had reached out to someone on Facebook Marketplace, an online buying and selling platform, regarding an authentic gold bar for sale. The victim met with the suspect and paid them $4,150 for the bar.
The victim brought the gold bar to have it inspected and learned that it was a fake.
A preliminary investigation by Wilmington Police suggested the seller used a fake name.
Wilmington Police arranged a meet-up with the seller, later determined to be ASHTAR-ZADEH.
ASHTAR-ZADEH was arrested without incident. A search recovered two Florida IDs with other names.
ASHTAR-ZADEH was arraigned in Woburn District Court on Friday.
Wilmington Police would like to remind residents to be cautious when buying items online, especially from strangers. Wilmington Police welcomes residents to meet in the station lobby to conduct in-person transactions with unknown individuals.
These are allegations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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