At about 12:15 PM on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, officers assigned to District D-14 (Brighton) conducted a traffic stop that resulted in the arrest of Nicusor Lazar in the area of Harvard Avenue and Brainerd Road in Brighton.
While on patrol, officers observed a motor vehicle proceed through the intersection at Harvard Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue, failing to stop at the red light. Officers activated their emergency equipment and initiated a traffic stop in the area of Harvard Avenue and Brainerd Road.
As officers approached the vehicle, they immediately recognized the operator as an individual who detectives were seeking to identify in relation to an ongoing ATM card fraud investigation. Officers approached the vehicle and the operator provided an Italian driver’s license and a bank card with the same name. As officers were speaking with the operator, they observed a large stack of US currency bundled together in the center console as well as numerous credit/ debit cards in the cup holder.
The operator, who did not possess a valid license to operate a motor vehicle within the United States, was removed from the motor vehicle and taken into custody.
Following an investigation by the District D-14 (Brighton) Detectives, officers recovered one hundred and twenty-four forged ATM/ debit cards and an undisclosed amount of US Currency. Investigators also discovered the two forms of identification the suspect provided, an Italian driver’s license and bank card, were also determined to be fraudulent.
Officers arrested Nicusor Lazar, 27-years-old. Lazar is expected to be arraigned in Brighton District Court on charges of Money Laundering, two counts of Uttering, Identity Fraud, Forgery of an RMV Document, and Furnishing a False ID to Law Enforcement.