Multi-state raid targeting ‘gold bar scam’ includes Decatur jewelry store

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - A DeKalb County jewelry store was raided on Wednesday as part of a multi-state "gold bar scam" probe being led by Texas investigators.

Big picture view:

The Collin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the raids, including one at Malani Jewelers in Decatur, are a direct continuation of an investigation first made public on Jan. 29.

Multiple agencies performed a coordinated raid, executing simultaneous search warrants Wednesday at businesses in Georgia, Texas, and Florida.

According to investigators, the three locations targeted in today’s coordinated sweep are:

• Malani Jewelers – Decatur, Georgia
• Malani Jewelers – Richardson, Texas
• Orlando Gold Refinery – Altamonte Springs, Florida

Authorities are targeting the financial and processing infrastructure of a scheme that allegedly defrauds victims, many of whom are senior citizens.

The Collin County Sheriff’s Office is leading the operation, working alongside the Lithonia Police Department in Georgia and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office in Florida.

What we know:

The investigation centers on a scheme where scammers impersonate law enforcement or regulatory officials to pressure victims into withdrawing cash and purchasing gold. Those assets are then handed over to couriers under false pretenses.

The large-scale fraud and money laundering scheme targeted elderly victims in North Texas.

"Investigators allege that portions of that gold were later processed, melted, or otherwise handled through affiliated businesses," the sheriff’s office stated.

The latest phase of the investigation was triggered by digital forensic analysis and evidence seized during the initial Jan. 29 operations. Officials say they developed probable cause linking these specific businesses to the "financial and gold processing components" of the criminal network.

"Today’s action represents a continued effort to identify and dismantle all components of this organized criminal operation," the sheriff’s office said.

What we don't know:

Due to the active nature of the case, additional details remain limited. 

Authorities have not yet disclosed the total monetary value of the gold or the specific number of victims identified across the three states.

It remains unknown if any owners or employees were taken into custody during Wednesday’s raids, or if charges have been officially filed against them.

Officials have not commented on whether additional businesses are under investigation.