CrimeAug 30, 2023
Baltimore Man Faces 26 Years for Single-Day Robbery SpreeCrimeSep 01, 2023
16 Suspects Charged in String of East Coast Robberies
The alleged crime ring was said to be targeting jewelry stores owned by Asian Americans.
A total of 16 alleged members of a violent crime ring, said to be responsible for a string of jewelry store robberies along the East Coast, have been arrested, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the District of Columbia.
Washington—A total of 16 alleged members of a violent crime ring, said to be responsible for a string of jewelry store robberies along the East Coast, have been arrested.
The crimes and charges were detailed in an indictment unsealed Wednesday, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the District of Columbia.
Eight of the suspects were arrested Wednesday while the others were previously arrested.
According to the indictment, the men conspired between January 7, 2022 and January 27, 2023 in Washington D.C. to commit robberies in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Florida.
The robberies specifically targeted jewelry stores owned by Asian Americans, according to the Attorney’s Office.
The men would don dark clothing and enter the stores armed. One or more defendants used various vehicles, including stolen vehicles, to then flee the scene.
The men are accused of robbing the following stores.
January 7, 2022: Yasini Jewelers in East Falls Church, Virginia;
June 10, 2022: Virani Jewelers in Iselin, New Jersey;
September 20, 2022: Sonia Jewelers & Boutique, in Springfield, Virginia;
October 25, 2022: Paradise Jewelry Store, in Paterson, New Jersey;
November 10, 2022: Baral Jewelers & Gifts, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania;
November 27, 2022: Sara Emporium Jewelry & Boutique, in Springfield, Virginia;
December 6, 2022: Kishek Jewelers, in Jacksonville, Florida;
December 22, 2022: Chintamanis Inc., in Franklin Park, New Jersey; and;
January 27, 2023: Princess Diamonds, in Falls Church, Virginia.
The group is accused of committing multiple armed carjackings, armed robberies, money laundering, and firearms offenses.
Charges include conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce, also known as Hobbs Act robbery, interference with interstate commerce by robbery, using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, conspiracy to commit carjacking, and conspiracy to engage in monetary transaction in property derived from specified unlawful activity.
Related stories will be right here …
The crimes and charges were detailed in an indictment unsealed Wednesday, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the District of Columbia.
Eight of the suspects were arrested Wednesday while the others were previously arrested.
According to the indictment, the men conspired between January 7, 2022 and January 27, 2023 in Washington D.C. to commit robberies in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Florida.
The robberies specifically targeted jewelry stores owned by Asian Americans, according to the Attorney’s Office.
The men would don dark clothing and enter the stores armed. One or more defendants used various vehicles, including stolen vehicles, to then flee the scene.
The men are accused of robbing the following stores.
January 7, 2022: Yasini Jewelers in East Falls Church, Virginia;
June 10, 2022: Virani Jewelers in Iselin, New Jersey;
September 20, 2022: Sonia Jewelers & Boutique, in Springfield, Virginia;
October 25, 2022: Paradise Jewelry Store, in Paterson, New Jersey;
November 10, 2022: Baral Jewelers & Gifts, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania;
November 27, 2022: Sara Emporium Jewelry & Boutique, in Springfield, Virginia;
December 6, 2022: Kishek Jewelers, in Jacksonville, Florida;
December 22, 2022: Chintamanis Inc., in Franklin Park, New Jersey; and;
January 27, 2023: Princess Diamonds, in Falls Church, Virginia.
The group is accused of committing multiple armed carjackings, armed robberies, money laundering, and firearms offenses.
Charges include conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce, also known as Hobbs Act robbery, interference with interstate commerce by robbery, using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, conspiracy to commit carjacking, and conspiracy to engage in monetary transaction in property derived from specified unlawful activity.
"This indictment alleges a conspiracy to engage in a violent armed robbery spree involving commercial establishments throughout the Eastern Seaboard,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves.
“One defendant is also charged with conspiracy to commit carjacking as part of the spree, and others are charged with laundering the proceeds from the robberies. With an increasing number of robbery schemes that cross state lines, collaborative operations like this one are critical to holding accountable those who threaten the safety of our communities."
Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg added, “The defendants targeted small businesses along the East Coast, stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of jewelry from hardworking families.”
FBI-Newark Special Agent in Charge James Dennehy said, “We allege these suspects took part in take-over style armed robberies meant to terrify and overwhelm store owners and employees.”
“Many of the victim businesses are family-owned-and-operated and lost large sums of inventory. The alleged violent and reckless actions of the subjects are astounding; they gave no thought to the people who could have been seriously injured or even killed.”
“We have a message for criminals out there right now who believe these smash-and-grab robberies work in their favor because they mistakenly believe no one will hold them accountable. That’s not the case here – and it won’t be the case in the future. FBI Newark and our law enforcement partners will make sure if we can charge something federally, we will make that happen.”
The superseding indictment also contains a notice of forfeiture and is seeking the proceeds of the illegal activities.
The maximum sentences for the various charges range from 20 years to life in prison.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sitara Witanachchi and Andy Wang of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses Section in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
More on Crime
The Latest
Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025
Here’s What Happened to Pope Francis’ RingBefore Pope Leo XIV was elected, a centuries-old procedure regarding the late pontiff’s ring was followed.
AuctionsMay 14, 2025
Custom Rolex Pulled From Sotheby’s SaleThe one-of-a-kind platinum Rolex Cosmograph Daytona was estimated to fetch up to $1.7 million.
Lab-GrownMay 14, 2025
State of Diamonds: What’s Next for Lab-Grown Diamonds?While the product has entrenched itself in the market, retailers and consultants are assessing the next phase of the category’s development.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
MajorsMay 14, 2025
Jeff Corey Elected Chair of JBT Board The well-known Maine jeweler takes over for Brian Fleming and will serve a one-year term.
Weekly QuizMay 08, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesMay 14, 2025
Foundrae Donates $11K to Ethical MetalsmithsThe donation was the result of the brand’s annual Earth Day Ingot event.
IndependentsMay 13, 2025
Eiseman Jewels’ Renovated Dallas Store Is Bigger and BetterLocated in NorthPark Center, the revamped store is nearly 2,000 square feet larger and includes the first Tudor boutique in Dallas.
Brought to you by
Watch: The Winston Red: GIA Examines the Smithsonian’s Newest AdditionSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
MajorsMay 13, 2025
DCA Announces New Learning Platform, Course UpdatesThe nonprofit has made updates to the content in its beginner and advanced jewelry sales courses.
MajorsMay 13, 2025
BIJC Launches New Education FundBIJC President Malyia McNaughton will shift roles to lead the new foundation, and Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez will succeed her as president.
TrendsMay 13, 2025
State of Jewelry Design: The Top 10 Jewelry Trends of the Past DecadeAs a nod to the theme of JCK Las Vegas 2025, “Decades,” National Jeweler took a look back at the top 10 jewelry trends of the past 10 years.
Lab-GrownMay 12, 2025
Lightbox to Go Dark by Summer, De Beers Says The company plans to halt all consumer-facing activity this summer, while Lightbox factory operations will cease by the end of the year.
Policies & IssuesMay 12, 2025
Tariffs on Chinese Imports Temporarily Slashed as U.S.-China Reach Deal Following weekend negotiations, the tax on Chinese goods imported into the United States will drop by 115 percent for the next 90 days.
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2025
Jewelry By Picasso, Dalí on Display at Florida Art Museum “Artists’ Jewelry: From Cubism to Pop, the Diane Venet Collection” is on view at the Norton Museum of Art through October.
Events & AwardsMay 12, 2025
CASE Awards Now Accepting Entries For 2025The deadline to submit is June 16.
IndependentsMay 09, 2025
Lugano Diamonds CEO Resigns Amid Internal InvestigationMoti Ferder stepped down Wednesday and will not receive any severance pay, parent company Compass Diversified said.
CollectionsMay 09, 2025
Pieces of the Week: Marie Lichtenberg’s Collaborations for Mother’s DayLichtenberg partnered with luxury platform Mytheresa on two designs honoring the connection between mothers and daughters.
SourcingMay 09, 2025
Gemfields Resumes Emerald Mining in ZambiaThe miner announced plans to recommence open-pit mining at Kagem.
EditorsMay 08, 2025
5 ‘Superfine’ Met Gala Jewelry MomentsAssociate Editor Lauren McLemore shares her favorite looks from a night of style inspired by Black dandyism.
Supplier BulletinMay 08, 2025
Instappraise Introduces Game-Changing Trifold Appraisal FormatSponsored by Instappraise
FinancialsMay 08, 2025
Brilliant Earth Notes an Uptick in Engagement Ring Sales in Q1CEO Beth Gerstein discussed the company’s bridal bestsellers, the potential impact of tariffs, and the rising price of gold.
IndependentsMay 08, 2025
Margot McKinney Lands in the U.S. With New BoutiqueThe brand’s first independent location outside of Australia has opened in Beverly Hills, California.
IndependentsMay 08, 2025
Verragio Announces New Regional Sales ManagerCathy Marsh will lead the jewelry company’s efforts in the upper Midwest and western United States.
FinancialsMay 07, 2025
Pandora Posts Strong Q1, Plans for TariffsThe company has multiple strategies for dealing with tariffs, though its CEO said moving manufacturing to the U.S. is not one of them.
ColumnistsMay 07, 2025
The Smart Lab: Building a Seasonal Marketing Strategy for Mother’s Day and BeyondConnecting with your customers throughout the year is key to a successful holiday marketing push.
SourcingMay 07, 2025
Gemfields Says Emerald Sales Improved in Latest AuctionIts commercial-quality emerald sale held last month totaled more than $16 million, up from about $11 million in September 2024.
TechnologyMay 07, 2025
Punchmark’s Latest Podcast Features a Very Special Guest National Jeweler Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff joined Michael Burpoe to talk tariffs, consumer confidence, and the sky-high price of gold.
