2 Valley Men Suspected In Identity Theft Scheme From Simi Valley To Denver

SIMI VALLEY (CBSLA.com) — Two San Fernando Valley men are in federal custody in connection with an identity theft scheme stretching from Simi Valley to Denver, Colo., police said Monday.

Artur Bitaryan, 27, and Michael Stone, 33, were arrested on April 2 on suspicion of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft after a year-long investigation, Simi Valley police.

Bitaryan was initially arrested on suspicion of burglary, identity theft and obstructing an executive officer in January of 2014 in connection with a fraud in progress call at the Rock and Roll Café, 2198 Tapo Street, police said. His arrest launched the counterfeiting and identity theft investigation, which spanned from Simi Valley to Denver, police said.

During the investigation, search warrants were served at three locations in Simi Valley and the San Fernando Valley, where police say officers found credit card skimmers, items used to manufacture credit card skimmers and other items used to commit identity theft and bank fraud.

Anyone with information about the suspects or any case involving fraud or identity theft can call the Simi Valley police at (805) 583-6950.