Oak Bluffs Police have arrested a person suspected of using a stolen credit card at Island businesses. On Tuesday, Oak Bluffs Police Chief Jonathan Searle told The Times Amin Alaouie, 41, of Boston, was charged with credit fraud over $1,200, improperly receiving a credit card, and two counts of identity fraud. Chief Searle said Alaouie was arrested at 6 pm on Sunday, following assistance from the public. He said the matter remains under investigation.
Based on a Facebook post by J.B. Blau, Blau’s employees helped police identify the person. Blau owns several restaurants on the Vineyard, including two Sharky’s restaurants.
“I’m so proud of my staff,” Blau posted on July 3. “At 3:30 pm today I screenshot a post from Islanders Talk about a credit card scammer who was using stolen cards all over the Island and sent it to all of my staff at all locations. Around 6 pm, two of my O.B. Sharky’s crew identified him walking Circuit Ave., followed him, called the police and eventually had him apprehended at his hotel across from the Post Office. Hell yeah! Thanks T and N for the sleuth work! They said it felt like ‘Mission: Impossible’! When the police gave them the thumbs up, they were pumped! Great job! So great!”
The Oak Bluffs Police offered some confirmation later the same day. “We have located the male from the picture we posted earlier,” the department posted on its Facebook page. “Thank you for your assistance.”
