Authorities are seeking two individuals, Mircea Lucaci, 35, and Maria Rostas, 49, who are wanted for their alleged roles in an $8,000 theft by deception scheme. The incident occurred on August 9 at Ingram Fine Arts in Wiscasset, Maine. According to the Wiscasset Police Department, Lucaci and Rostas entered the establishment and expressed interest in purchasing gold items. They selected a piece of gold artwork valued at $8,000 and proceeded to negotiate a lower price with the store owner. During the transaction, the suspects counted out $100 bills. However, police allege that when the owner’s attention was diverted, the pair substituted the genuine currency with a stack primarily composed of $1 bills, which were concealed beneath a single $100 bill to deceive the merchant. Surveillance footage captured the interaction, leading investigators to identify the suspects. Both individuals have outstanding arrest warrants in multiple states for similar theft-related offenses. Lucaci, of Woodside, New York, has a prior criminal history involving gold theft, including a previous arrest in Texas and extradition to Maryland in 2023. Rostas, of Flushing, New York, is also believed to be associated with a Romanian theft ring targeting gold. Investigators from Maine, Virginia, and Florida have collaborated on this case. The Wiscasset Police Department has issued arrest warrants for both suspects on charges of theft by deception. Additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues. Law enforcement is urging anyone with information regarding the location or identity of Lucaci or Rostas to contact the Wiscasset Police Department at 207-882-8202. The public is reminded that these individuals are considered at large and pose a potential risk.