NYPD Takes Down Retail Crime Ring, Arresting 41

by Mindy Cohn

New York Attorney General Letitia James was joined by Mayor Eric Adams and the NYPD at the attorney general's office to announce the takedown of a large retail burglary ring.

The three-year joint investigation by the Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF) and the NYPD's Grand Larceny Division led to the successful arrest of forty-one criminals responsible for the smash-and-grab theft of millions of dollars in stolen goods. 

The thefts ranged from luxury outlets to drug stores. Goods were resold on eBay. 

Over $3.8 million worth of stolen retail was recovered by law enforcement including over 550 stolen gift and cash cards and more than $300,000 in cash.

"The mastermind of this is a man named Roni Rubinov, who created a network to systematically steal goods from numerous retailers in New York City," the attorney general said. "They purchased and then resold them for profit on an eBay storefront. At the top of his chain were 11 people that manage Rubinov's day-to-day operations at his direction. Generally purchased for six to eight percent of their retail value, and stolen cosmetics and pharmaceutical items at a rate of one to $2 per item depending upon the brand these items were stolen from stores such as Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom Rack, Duane Reade, CVS and Sephora seven days a week."

Those arrested were charged with enterprise corruption, money laundering, criminal possession of stolen property, scheme to defraud, and conspiracy.

Photo Credit: Flickr