x
Breaking News
More () »

Police: Men linked to 'traveling fraud crew' busted in Boise

"Hopefully that sends a message to fraudsters loud and clear: don't come to the Boise area and try to get away with it. "
Credit: Ada Co. Jail
Ibrahim Ah Saed and Enrique Marquez

BOISE -- Two men accused of being part of a "traveling fraud crew" that targeted Treasure Valley stores have been arrested.

California residents Enrique Marquez, 30, and Ibrahim Ah Saed, 36, were taken into custody Thursday afternoon after Boise Police received a tips about possible fraud activity at local businesses.

Officers found Marquez and Saed - who matched witness descriptions of the suspects - at a store in the 1200 block of Milwaukee Street. Police say the pair had switched the price tag on an expensive item, purchasing it for a lower price. Investigators also found evidence the men had been making fraudulent purchases and returns at stores in Nampa and Eagle.

Marquez and Saed are part of a group connected to thefts from businesses in seven states across the U.S., police say. One retail chain told Boise Police they had lost at least $156,000 to the traveling fraud crew.

Both men were arrested and booked into the Ada County Jail on burglary charges.

"This was a fantastic result of the strong partnership we have between local retailers and law enforcement here in the Treasure Valley. With communication and cooperation, we are able to identify and apprehend traveling fraud crews almost as soon as they get here,” Boise Police Crime Prevention Supervisor Ed Fritz said. “Hopefully that sends a message to fraudsters loud and clear: don’t come to the Boise area and try to get away with it. Because those thefts affect the everyday shopper, and we will do everything we can to not allow that.”

The suspects are due in court Friday afternoon.

Before You Leave, Check This Out