CrimeJan 02, 2025
Rolex Sale That Went South Led to Murder of Florida Jeweler, Report SaysCrimeJan 06, 2025
FBI Adds 2 Suspected Jewelry Thieves to Its Wanted List
Described by JSA as being “habitual offenders,” Vasile Sava and Onita Rostas have federal warrants out for their arrest in Kansas.
The FBI’s field office in Kansas City has added 54-year-old Onita Rostas and 53-year-old Vasile Sava to its wanted list. They’ve had warrants out for their arrest since January 2024.
Topeka, Kansas—The FBI’s Kansas City field office has added two individuals suspected of pulling off numerous jewelry distraction thefts to its wanted list.
Onita Rostas, 54, and the man the Jewelers’ Security Alliance describes as her husband, 53-year-old Vasile Sava, are both wanted on federal charges of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property.
According to the FBI, the pair, along with other conspirators, targeted numerous jewelry stores in Kansas.
They would enter the store in groups of two or more and allegedly distract or separate the employees who were helping them.
Meanwhile, one or more of the other individuals would use sleight of hand to pull off a distraction theft, exiting the store with multiple pieces of jewelry, the FBI said.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Topeka, Kansas, issued arrest warrants for Rostas and Sava in January 2024, and JSA noted that it has included the suspected jewelry thieves in past crime alerts.
Related stories will be right here …
Onita Rostas, 54, and the man the Jewelers’ Security Alliance describes as her husband, 53-year-old Vasile Sava, are both wanted on federal charges of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property.
According to the FBI, the pair, along with other conspirators, targeted numerous jewelry stores in Kansas.
Onita Rostas and Vasile Sava, seen here in a screenshot from the website of the FBI’s Kansas City field office, are wanted for conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property. Additional photos of both can be seen on the FBI website.
They would enter the store in groups of two or more and allegedly distract or separate the employees who were helping them.
Meanwhile, one or more of the other individuals would use sleight of hand to pull off a distraction theft, exiting the store with multiple pieces of jewelry, the FBI said.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Topeka, Kansas, issued arrest warrants for Rostas and Sava in January 2024, and JSA noted that it has included the suspected jewelry thieves in past crime alerts.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Rostas or Sava or thinks they might have seen them can contact the FBI’s Kansas City Field Office at 816-512-8200, submit a tip online at Tips.FBI.gov, or contact JSA at 212-687-0328 or jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org.
The FBI said investigators believe both could be using a variety of aliases and could be operating or living in various parts of the United States, including California, Texas, Florida, Maryland, and Virginia.
Multiple images of Rostas can be seen on FBI.gov, as can images of Sava.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Crime
The Latest
MajorsMar 13, 2025
Tanishq Opens 2 New Stores in the U.S.The Indian jewelry brand recently opened stores in Atlanta and Seattle.
FinancialsMar 13, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s 2024 Sales Struggled Amid Engagement RecoveryCEO Beth Gerstein shared its most popular price points, what’s trending in non-bridal fine jewelry, and its holiday performance.
CollectionsMar 13, 2025
Chopard Unveils High Jewelry Collection Created From 6,225-Carat Emerald The 15 pieces were crafted from the “Insofu” emerald, discovered in Zambia in 2010.
Brought to you by
Watch: GIA Field Gemology at the One-Hundredth Expedition: A Look Back and to the FutureSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
MajorsMar 13, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Names New CFO, TreasurerChris Anderson is joining the insurance provider as the new chief financial officer and treasurer.
Weekly QuizMar 06, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Lab-GrownMar 13, 2025
JA Offering Some ‘Counter Intelligence’ on Diamonds Jewelers of America is distributing a brochure for retailers to use when discussing the differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds.
SourcingMar 12, 2025
5 Factors That Will Impact the Diamond Industry in 2025The industry is changing as it grapples with new realities around distribution, supply, and the need for consistent, effective marketing.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
SourcingMar 12, 2025
Q&A: New GJEPC Chairman Kirit BhansaliBhansali discusses the potential impact of U.S. tariffs, demand for diamonds by market, and the “cautious confidence” in India right now.
Lab-GrownMar 12, 2025
Beyond Jewelry: Possibilities in the Lab-Grown Diamond SectorAs lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.
SourcingMar 12, 2025
Indian Leader, Retailer Among 2025 DDG Honorees Govind Dholakia and Tanishq will be recognized for their contributions to the industry at the Diamonds Do Good Awards in Las Vegas.
IndependentsMar 12, 2025
Marla Aaron Migrates to LondonThe New York City-based brand has opened its first U.K. location with a permanent shop-in-shop at Liberty in London.
AuctionsMar 12, 2025
A Medieval Bishop’s Sapphire Ring Is Going Up for SaleA metal detectorist discovered the ring that is believed to have belonged to a bishop in the late 12th to early 13th century.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2025
JA New York Announces Education, Live Demo LineupsOrganizers looked to new partnerships and interactive experiences to enhance the spring show, set for March 16 to 18.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2025
Bogolo Joy Kenewendo to Speak at Annual JVC LuncheonKenewendo, Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy, will discuss the future of diamonds.
ColumnistsMar 11, 2025
Creative Connecting: How to Pose on the Red CarpetAhead of the Gem Awards on Friday, Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share pro tips for taking the best photos.
CollectionsMar 11, 2025
Marco Bicego Celebrates 25 Years With Collection, CampaignFounded in 2000, Marco Bicego is commemorating its milestone anniversary with a “25 Best” collection and campaigns honoring its heritage.
TechnologyMar 11, 2025
Hill & Co. Launches New B2B Buyer DatabaseThose attending the company’s upcoming Zoom workshop will receive early access to “The List,” its new resource for finding buyers.
Events & AwardsMar 11, 2025
JSA to Honor GIA Employee at Annual LuncheonThe organization will present an award to Amy-Elise Signeavsky, law enforcement and diamond recovery manager at GIA.
MajorsMar 10, 2025
Terry Chandler to Retire After 24 Years as Head of DCA Chandler started his jewelry career at Michelson Jewelers, joining the Diamond Council of America as president and CEO in 2001.
CollectionsMar 10, 2025
MaeVona Co-Founder Debuts 3D-Printed ‘Tùsaire’ CollectionScottish American designer Maeve Gillies collaborated with Platinum Guild International on jewelry created by direct metal 3D printing.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersAhead of its trade show in May, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to five up-and-coming jewelry industry professionals.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
These Designers, Journalists, and Retailers Are Up for a Gem Award The 2025 Gem Awards are set to take place Friday at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
MajorsMar 07, 2025
Jane Fonda, Mariska Hargitay Star in Pomellato’s IWD CampaignThe annual star-studded campaign for International Women’s Day encourages collective action against domestic violence.
CollectionsMar 07, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yeprem’s ‘Golden Strada’ NecklaceThe statement piece is seen in Yeprem’s new “You Play the Game” campaign, created for International Women’s Day.
MajorsMar 07, 2025
Borsheims Names New Senior Security and Facilities ManagerLongtime employee Kyle Slosson has been promoted to the role.
IndependentsMar 06, 2025
Wixon Jewelers to Close After 37 YearsFirst-generation jewelers Dan and Hope Wixon are retiring and will close their Minneapolis-area jewelry store in May.
