WILMINGTON — On Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, Wilmington police received a report from an individual who said he had been scammed after purchasing a gold bar on Facebook Marketplace.
According to a statement from Wilmington Police Chief Brian Pupa, the victim met with the suspect and paid $4,150 for the bar.
“The victim brought the gold bar to have it inspected and learned that it was a fake,” Chief Pupa said.
Chief Pupa said the preliminary investigation indicated that the seller used a fake name.
Police then arranged a meetup with the seller, who was later identified as Keanu Ashtar-Zadeh, 21, of Dracut. During the meetup, Ashtar-Zadeh was arrested without incident.
“A search recovered two Florida IDs with other names,” Chief Pupa said.
Keanu Ashtar-Zadeh, 21, of Dracut, was arrested and charged with the following:
- Attempt to Commit Felony Crime of Larceny over $1,200
- Intimidation of a Witness/Official
- Larceny over $1,200 by False Pretense
- Identity Fraud
Ashtar-Zadeh was arraigned in Woburn District Court on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026.
Wilmington police reminded residents to use caution when purchasing items online, especially from strangers, and said residents are welcome to conduct in-person transactions with unknown individuals in the police station lobby.