Romanian Crime Ring Targets Houses of Worship in DC Area

A notorious Romanian organized crime group, known as the ROMAs, has been targeting religious institutions in Maryland and Northern Virginia, leaving a trail of brazen daylight robberies in their wake. Despite arrests, authorities believe the group's nationwide presence and modus operandi as "hit-and-run artists" make it challenging to eradicate their activities.

An international organized crime ring, the Romanian Organized Crime Group (ROMA), has set its sights on houses of worship in the Washington, D.C., area, leaving a trail of brazen daylight robberies in its wake. Since April, they have targeted two Buddhist temples, two mosques, and one Hindu temple, stealing tens of thousands of dollars in donations and valuables.

Montgomery County Police suspect that the ROMA has been operating in the area for a decade, targeting religious institutions as crimes of opportunity. Lieutenant Andrew Suh believes that quelling the group's activities is like "cutting the heads of a hydra," as it has numerous branches nationwide.

Surveillance footage from the Wat Thai Buddhist Temple in Silver Spring, Maryland, captured the group's brazen tactics. While a funeral service took place nearby, they walked into the monk's home and stole $20,000 in donations from a safe. The suspects took off their shoes at the door, indicating that they were not members of the temple.

Despite arrests of two members, Alex Dumitru, 23, and Natalian Dumitru, 18, in connection with two of the burglaries, the group has gone quiet. However, Suh warns that other fraud operations are likely still taking place.

Another temple in Accokeek, Maryland, provided Fox 5 with surveillance stills of a group of men breaking in around mid-March. Although the men damaged the door, the monks intervened and scared them off.

Religious leaders in Montgomery County are urged to apply for grants to enhance security measures, as these institutions often become easy targets due to their perceived peaceful and passive nature.

Former FBI special agent Chris Swecker warns against underestimating the ROMA's tactics, describing them as "hit-and-run artists" who prey on unsuspecting and docile individuals. He notes their ability to avoid violent retribution and focus on property crimes that attract less federal attention.

The Romanian Mafia has a nationwide presence, and earlier this year, California prosecutors issued warnings about members panhandling outside big-box stores and using skimmers at self-checkouts to steal credit card information.

Swecker expresses concern over the FBI's apparent withdrawal from targeting organized crime, suggesting that it used to be a "staple" of the agency's operations. He emphasizes the importance of federal involvement in coordinated efforts to tackle transient crime groups like the ROMA.

Local law enforcement agencies across jurisdictions must collaborate to combat the ROMA's activities, but without federal assistance, it remains a challenging task.