Steamboat Springs Police have arrested two men charged with robbery and bias-motivated crimes. It had to do with reports of people being scammed through the sale of fake jewelry. The police report says one of the suspects admitted they were targeting Hispanic individuals.
The two suspects have been identified as 27-year-old Nikolaj Huh and 31-year-old David Alexandru, who are both reportedly from New York. Charges on the arrest record show Robbery and Bias Motivated Intimidation for both men.
A third incident has been reported, and officers are investigating.
SSPD believes there may be additional victims in the community. If you have been targeted or have relevant information, please contact the SSPD at 970-879-1144.
All persons accused of crimes are presumed innocent until and unless their guilt is established beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
Press Release from Steamboat Springs Police Department; May 3, 2025.
Men Charged with Robbery and Bias-Motivated Crimes
Additional Victims Believed Targeted In The Community
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-May 3, 2025-The Steamboat Springs Police Department (SSPD) has charged two men with robbery and bias-motivated crimes after multiple reports of individuals being scammed through the sale of fake jewelry.
On April 30, 2025, officers received a report from a man who was approached in the 1600 block of Sunlight Drive. The suspect claimed his family needed food and gas money and offered to sell gold jewelry for $600. After the transaction, the victim discovered the jewelry was not real gold.
On May 1, 2025, a second incident was reported. A man pulled over to use his phone in the 700 block of South Lincoln Avenue when he was approached by a suspect who exited a silver Ford Expedition with Utah license plates. The suspect asked the victim if he was Peruvian, then requested gas money. After a small amount of cash was exchanged, the suspect noticed more money in the victim’s wallet and pressured him to buy a necklace purportedly worth $5,000.
When the victim refused, the suspect leaned through the vehicle window and demanded more money. The victim eventually gave him $500, and the suspect left a necklace. A second man then approached the vehicle, also demanding money. Though the victim stated he had no more cash, he ultimately handed over another $500 under pressure. This second suspect did not leave any jewelry in return.
SSPD, in cooperation with Routt County Sheriff’s Deputies, located the Ford Expedition and interviewed the two suspects. Both admitted to knowingly selling fake jewelry, although they claimed they never said it was real. One of the suspects admitted they were targeting Hispanic individuals. A search of the vehicle uncovered several more pieces of fake jewelry and over $2,500 in cash.
The two suspects have been identified as 27-year-old Nikolaj Huh and 31-year-old David Alexandru, both reporting residence in New York. A third incident has been reported, and officers are investigating.
SSPD believes there may be additional victims in the community. If you have been targeted or have relevant information, please contact the SSPD at 970-879-1144.
All persons accused of crimes are presumed innocent until and unless their guilt is established beyond a reasonable doubt in court.