The New Orleans Police Department’s White Collar Crimes Unit is asking the public to help track down two people investigators say are tied to a fraud case involving more than $58,000 in cryptocurrency. In a public advisory, the department identified the pair as Mia Mayoba Robinson and Narvin Anthony Lassai, sharing their photos and birthdates. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers instead of stepping in themselves.
Police Say More Than $58,000 in Crypto Vanished
In a post on the New Orleans Police Department's Facebook page, investigators say Robinson and Lassai are wanted in connection with a fraud investigation involving more than $58,000 in cryptocurrency. The advisory lists Robinson’s birthdate as Feb. 23, 1971, and Lassai’s as Sept. 29, 1982, and describes both as wanted in the ongoing case.
White Collar Fraud Unit Handles Crypto Cases
According to NOPD's financial fraud policy, cryptocurrency fraud falls under the same umbrella as skimming, access device fraud and forgery for the Financial Fraud and White Collar Crime Investigations unit. The document spells out what investigators are required to do in these cases and explains the authority the department uses to pursue crimes involving digital assets.
How to Share a Tip with Investigators
Anyone who wants to share information can do so anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers of Greater New Orleans at (504) 822-1111 or toll free at 1-877-903-STOP, or by using the organization’s online tip form. The Orleans Parish District Attorney has partnered with Crime Stoppers on similar public calls for information in other investigations.
Why This Case Is on NOPD’s Radar
Cryptocurrency investment scams and other crypto-enabled frauds have accounted for some of the biggest reported losses in recent national reports, which helps explain why local agencies do not shrug off mid-range crypto thefts. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center has reported billions of dollars in losses tied to cryptocurrency investment fraud in its annual summaries, highlighting the scale of the problem.
Legal Fine Print
Being listed as wanted in a police advisory is an allegation, not a conviction, and both named individuals are presumed innocent unless and until they are formally charged and proven guilty in court. In its advisory, the department describes Robinson and Lassai as “wanted in connection with a fraud investigation” and urges the public to provide information to investigators rather than confront anyone they believe to be involved.
