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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Crime
The Latest
MajorsMar 13, 2025
Tanishq Opens 2 New Stores in the U.S.The Indian jewelry brand recently opened stores in Atlanta and Seattle.
FinancialsMar 13, 2025
Brilliant Earth’s 2024 Sales Struggled Amid Engagement RecoveryCEO Beth Gerstein shared its most popular price points, what’s trending in non-bridal fine jewelry, and its holiday performance.
CollectionsMar 13, 2025
Chopard Unveils High Jewelry Collection Created From 6,225-Carat Emerald The 15 pieces were crafted from the “Insofu” emerald, discovered in Zambia in 2010.
Brought to you by
Watch: GIA Field Gemology at the One-Hundredth Expedition: A Look Back and to the FutureSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
MajorsMar 13, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Names New CFO, TreasurerChris Anderson is joining the insurance provider as the new chief financial officer and treasurer.
Weekly QuizMar 06, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Lab-GrownMar 13, 2025
JA Offering Some ‘Counter Intelligence’ on Diamonds Jewelers of America is distributing a brochure for retailers to use when discussing the differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds.
SourcingMar 12, 2025
5 Factors That Will Impact the Diamond Industry in 2025The industry is changing as it grapples with new realities around distribution, supply, and the need for consistent, effective marketing.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
SourcingMar 12, 2025
Q&A: New GJEPC Chairman Kirit BhansaliBhansali discusses the potential impact of U.S. tariffs, demand for diamonds by market, and the “cautious confidence” in India right now.
Lab-GrownMar 12, 2025
Beyond Jewelry: Possibilities in the Lab-Grown Diamond SectorAs lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.
SourcingMar 12, 2025
Indian Leader, Retailer Among 2025 DDG Honorees Govind Dholakia and Tanishq will be recognized for their contributions to the industry at the Diamonds Do Good Awards in Las Vegas.
IndependentsMar 12, 2025
Marla Aaron Migrates to LondonThe New York City-based brand has opened its first U.K. location with a permanent shop-in-shop at Liberty in London.
AuctionsMar 12, 2025
A Medieval Bishop’s Sapphire Ring Is Going Up for SaleA metal detectorist discovered the ring that is believed to have belonged to a bishop in the late 12th to early 13th century.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2025
JA New York Announces Education, Live Demo LineupsOrganizers looked to new partnerships and interactive experiences to enhance the spring show, set for March 16 to 18.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2025
Bogolo Joy Kenewendo to Speak at Annual JVC LuncheonKenewendo, Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy, will discuss the future of diamonds.
ColumnistsMar 11, 2025
Creative Connecting: How to Pose on the Red CarpetAhead of the Gem Awards on Friday, Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share pro tips for taking the best photos.
CollectionsMar 11, 2025
Marco Bicego Celebrates 25 Years With Collection, CampaignFounded in 2000, Marco Bicego is commemorating its milestone anniversary with a “25 Best” collection and campaigns honoring its heritage.
TechnologyMar 11, 2025
Hill & Co. Launches New B2B Buyer DatabaseThose attending the company’s upcoming Zoom workshop will receive early access to “The List,” its new resource for finding buyers.
Events & AwardsMar 11, 2025
JSA to Honor GIA Employee at Annual LuncheonThe organization will present an award to Amy-Elise Signeavsky, law enforcement and diamond recovery manager at GIA.
MajorsMar 10, 2025
Terry Chandler to Retire After 24 Years as Head of DCA Chandler started his jewelry career at Michelson Jewelers, joining the Diamond Council of America as president and CEO in 2001.
CollectionsMar 10, 2025
MaeVona Co-Founder Debuts 3D-Printed ‘Tùsaire’ CollectionScottish American designer Maeve Gillies collaborated with Platinum Guild International on jewelry created by direct metal 3D printing.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Announces 2025 Scholarship WinnersAhead of its trade show in May, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to five up-and-coming jewelry industry professionals.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2025
These Designers, Journalists, and Retailers Are Up for a Gem Award The 2025 Gem Awards are set to take place Friday at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
MajorsMar 07, 2025
Jane Fonda, Mariska Hargitay Star in Pomellato’s IWD CampaignThe annual star-studded campaign for International Women’s Day encourages collective action against domestic violence.
CollectionsMar 07, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yeprem’s ‘Golden Strada’ NecklaceThe statement piece is seen in Yeprem’s new “You Play the Game” campaign, created for International Women’s Day.
MajorsMar 07, 2025
Borsheims Names New Senior Security and Facilities ManagerLongtime employee Kyle Slosson has been promoted to the role.
IndependentsMar 06, 2025
Wixon Jewelers to Close After 37 YearsFirst-generation jewelers Dan and Hope Wixon are retiring and will close their Minneapolis-area jewelry store in May.
