Romanian mobsters are traveling across the United States, targeting religious institutions in daring daylight robberies, according to police. In April and May, two Buddhist temples, two mosques, and one Hindu temple in the Washington, D.C., area were hit by the group, authorities report.
Montgomery County Police in Maryland suspect the Romanian Organized Crime Group, known as the ROMAs, of targeting seven similar locations in 2023. Police made arrests in about half of these incidents.
Following the arrest of Alex Dumitru, 23, and Natalian Dumitru, 18, last month in connection with two of the burglaries, no further places of worship or associated residences have been targeted in the area, stated Montgomery County Police Lieutenant Andrew Suh. Suh mentioned that the international group has been active in the D.C. area for about a decade, likening efforts to suppress their activity to “cutting the heads of a hydra.”
Evidence found in the Dumitru brothers’ homes linked them to two of the crimes, leading to their arrest on first-degree burglary charges and subsequent release on $10,000 personal bonds.
Surveillance footage from the Wat Thai Buddhist Temple in Silver Spring shows the crew entering the temple during a funeral luncheon. The suspects did not remove their shoes at the door, indicating they were not temple members. They allegedly stole $20,000 in donations from a safe within 20 minutes. The money was intended for deposit the next day by resident monk Ruangrit Thaithae, known as Monk Jack.
One suspect distracted a temple member while others took the safe and other valuables. Monk Jack expressed a belief in karma, hoping the thieves would face consequences. He also urged the young thieves to change their ways and do good for their families and communities.
Despite targeting religious institutions, Suh clarified that these burglaries were not considered hate crimes but rather crimes of opportunity. “This organization is generally just focused on obtaining monetary rewards,” he said, emphasizing the lack of political motivation.
Following the recent arrests, the group’s activities have quieted, though Suh noted that their operations likely continue elsewhere. Another temple in Accokeek, Maryland, sent surveillance images of a break-in attempt in March, which was thwarted by the monks.
Kate Chance, a Montgomery County faith leader, highlighted the impact on religious hubs, noting that funds meant for community support are being diverted. She advised religious institutions to apply for grants to enhance security.
Former FBI assistant director Chris Swecker remarked on the unusual nature of these crimes, labeling the ROMAs as “hit-and-run artists” who prey on peaceful communities. He emphasized the challenge of tackling such a transient group without federal coordination, calling for renewed efforts similar to past organized crime takedowns.
Earlier this year, California prosecutors warned about the Romanian Mafia panhandling and committing credit card fraud outside big-box stores. Swecker highlighted the importance of coordinated federal efforts to effectively combat such organized crime groups.
