Romanian Crime Symphony: In the heart of San Jose, a concerning surge in Romanian organized crime has caught the attention of law enforcement. Two individuals were apprehended on Wednesday, linked to a spree of 25 distinct crimes ranging from armed carjacking to Facebook Marketplace scams.
Displaying captured evidence, the police aim to shed light on a series of offenses that unfolded from July to October. Seeking insights, ABC7 consulted Bob Delaney, a former undercover operative who once infiltrated Italian mob families in the 1970s.
Delaney emphasized the intricacies of criminal systems, noting the challenge faced by law enforcement in halting such activities. Reflecting on his own undercover tenure, he shared, “Conspiring to commit a crime involves more than just a couple of individuals. There’s a structure, and sometimes, law enforcement might overestimate their organization.”
Despite acknowledging that organized crime might lack the sophistication often assumed, Delaney highlighted the criminals’ innovative nature. San Jose police underscored the focus of these suspects on elderly members of the Asian and Indian community.
The modus operandi involves a seemingly innocent interaction—seeking directions, engaging in conversation, and expressing gratitude—while surreptitiously swapping victims’ jewelry with convincing fakes. Additionally, the suspects have posed as general contractors, roofers, or plumbers to carry out their schemes.
Law enforcement urges anyone with information to contact the San Jose Police Department’s Robbery Unit. Delaney emphasized the importance of dismantling layers within these organizations to disrupt their influence in the community.
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