2 women accused of using ‘sleight of hand’ to steal $3,400 gold coin sought by police

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Two women are accused of using “sleight of hand” to seal a $3,400 gold coin, among other crimes, and they are still at large.

The women, 30-year-old Flavia Avram and 29-year-old Ariana I. Muntean, allegedly stole the gold coin from a shop in Southeast Portland on June 4.

The Portland Police Bureau said they responded to the owner of a coin and precious metal shop’s report of a theft on June 6.

Surveillance images from the store in the 3500 block of Southeast 52nd Avenue in the Foster-Powell Neighborhood were shared by Portland police in hopes of locating the suspects.

Though the two women are still at large, a Multnomah County grand jury indicted them on two counts of felony first-degree theft.

“The business owner reported that two unidentified women had entered the store and, through sleight of hand, stole a gold coin worth $3400, and attempted to steal another,” PPB said.

They are also accused of committing a similar crime in Washington.

PPB said a tip from a local news outlet pointed them in the direction of the Lynwood Police Department, which was investigating a similar case with suspects matching the description in the Portland case. LPD had identified the alleged suspects and provided the information to PPB amid their investigation.

Flavia Avram is described as:

• 5’9”
• 170-190lbs
• Brown eyes
• Dark brown hair (may be bleached)
• Seen wearing a black sweatshirt, black sweatpants and white shoes
• From Kent, Washington

Ariana I. Muntean is described as:

• 5’5”
• 180-200lb
• Brown eyes
• Dark brown hair
• Seen wearing a blue shirt and pants, sandals and tan coat
• From Lynwood, Washington

Portland police believe the suspects may have committed other crimes around Portland and in other states. They said if anyone sees them, do not approach and call 911.

If anyone has information about the case, they’re asked to call Portland police.