Multi-state 'gold bar scam' has D-FW roots, authorities say

Three North Texas jewelry stores are entangled in a multi-state scam that authorities say duped older individuals into giving up their savings.

Why it matters: The investigation originated in North Texas and now involves several law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

The latest: Authorities raided Malani Jewelers' Richardson and Decatur, Georgia, locations and an Orlando, Florida, gold dealer last week, after raiding Irving's Tilak Jewelers in Irving and Frisco's Saima Jewelers in January.

• Several people were arrested, per the Collin County sheriff's office.

Context: In South Asian culture, gold jewelry and coins are popular gifts for births, graduations, weddings and other occasions.

• The growing South Asian immigrant community accounts for the rise of stores like Tilak and Malani.

What they're saying: Suspects in the gold scam impersonated law enforcement officials to pressure the victims to withdraw their savings, buy gold and give it to a courier, the Collin County sheriff's office alleged in a news release.

• The gold was then given to jewelry stores to be "processed, melted, or otherwise handled," the sheriff's office said.

The other side: The three stores could not be reached for comment on Friday.

• Tilak's Google listing said the store was temporarily closed. The phone lines at Malani and Saima weren't working.

What's next: The sheriff's office tells Axios the courts system will decide how and when items seized from the stores will be returned to their owners.

• "We understand this is frustrating for customers who may be waiting on personal items, but preserving evidence is critical to the integrity of the case," the office says.