Two suspects were arrested on grand theft charges following a pursuit in Irvine.
The suspects were identified as Christian Margel, 22, of Anaheim, and Teresa Margel, 20, of Fullerton, according to the Irvine Police Department.
Authorities had been investigating a “complex transnational fraud scheme where criminals steal Electric Benefit Transfers (EBT) funds shortly after they are deposited into victims’ accounts,” authorities said.
On Dec. 2, detectives were checking local banks when they spotted “suspicious subjects possibly involved in fraudulent activity” at a bank near Culver and Irvine Center Drives.
The suspects drove away and when police attempted to pull them over, they refused to yield, leading officers on a pursuit.
After a short chase, they eventually stopped the car near Culver Drive and Irvine Boulevard where a female suspect was immediately detained by officers. The male suspect jumped out of the car and fled the scene, police said.
4 suspects wanted for stealing over $316,000 in check fraud scheme: police
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Christian Margel, 22, of Anaheim was arrested after police found him hiding in a dumpster following a pursuit in Irvine on Dec. 2, 2024. (Irvine Police Department)
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Teresa Margel, 20, of Fullerton, was arrested following a pursuit in Irvine on Dec. 2, 2024. (Irvine Police Department)
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Two suspects, Christian Margel, 22, of Anaheim, and Teresa Margel, 20, of Fullerton, were arrested following a pursuit in Irvine on Dec. 2, 2024. (Irvine Police Department)
While searching nearby, officers eventually located the man hiding inside a dumpster.
The pair was arrested on charges of grand theft, felony evasion, and resisting arrest and were booked at the Orange County Jail.
Detectives did not release further details on whether the duo was connected to a transnational fraud ring.
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