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
SurveysOct 01, 2026
Rolex Ranks Among Most Recommended Brands in US, Survey Says YouGov’s 2026 U.S. Most Recommended Brands report’s out, and a fast-fashion giant is sitting at No. 1 while Rolex is just shy of the top 5.
SourcingOct 01, 2026
Columbia Gem House Opens ‘Cutting Toward Change’ FundraiserProceeds from its jewelry raffle will benefit an organization working in India to combat silicosis, a lung disease affecting stone cutters.
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Carolina Hurricanes’ Championship Ring Reveals Hidden Hockey Puck PendantThe rings, crafted by Jason of Beverly Hills, celebrate the hockey team’s Stanley Cup win with design elements that honor its traditions.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
TrendsOct 01, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Color Range This roundup of birthstone jewelry for October features vibrant tourmalines and opals with personality.
Weekly QuizSep 25, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Botswana’s President, De Beers CEO Say Diamond Demand Is RecoveringPresident Duma Boko spoke at back-to-back events in the city last week, touting Botswana’s stability and the diamond “bounceback.”
CollectionsSep 30, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Holiday Book Is ‘A Living Archive’ The catalog showcases 112 new, one-of-a-kind pieces amid highlights from the jeweler’s historic archive.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
SourcingSep 30, 2026
Gemfields Posts $98.5M Loss, Writes Down Value of Ruby MineIts Montepuez Ruby Mining operation in Mozambique, which is not yielding enough high-quality rubies, has taken a $125 million hit.
SurveysSep 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls to 12-Year Low in SeptemberThose surveyed were worried about the present and the future, with write-in responses mentioning high oil and gas prices.
Events & AwardsSep 30, 2026
Jewelers of America, JA New York to Host Networking EventThe event will take place on the evening of Oct. 26 in New York City.
IndependentsSep 29, 2026
Christy Bromberg, Longtime Gift Buyer for Underwood Jewelers, Dies at 68She is remembered for her joie de vivre, upbeat personality, genuine interest in other people, and love of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
Dionne Warwick’s Jewelry Goes Up for AuctionOnline bidding is open now for Julien’s sale of items owned by the “Walk On By” singer, whose final album comes out this fall.
Events & AwardsSep 29, 2026
Matt Stuller to Receive 2027 Gem Award for Lifetime AchievementThe founder and executive chairman of Stuller Inc. is being honored for his impact on the jewelry industry at the 25th annual Gem Awards.
ColumnistsSep 29, 2026
Your Holiday Marketing Has a Bridal Blind SpotDecember is the most popular month to propose, and jewelers need to keep that in mind when planning their holiday marketing.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction Wednesday.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
De Beers London Drops Water-Inspired High Jewelry Collection“Vibrations” features several firsts for De Beers’ high jewelry, including the use of chalcedony and diamonds sourced from artisanal miners.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
Jessica McCormack Turns to Classic Motif for New CollectionThe “Bows” collection features three interpretations of the bow motif designed with Georgian and Victorian influences.
Events & AwardsSep 28, 2026
Guy Borenstein, Troy Underwood Among the Professionals Honored at AGS Conclave 2026The American Gem Society recognized industry members, one Guild, and a law enforcement official for their contributions to jewelry.
FinancialsSep 28, 2026
Instappraise, Jewelers Mutual Look to Simplify Jewelry InsuranceThrough a new system integration, customers can now receive instant personal jewelry insurance quotes at the time of appraisal.
WatchesSep 25, 2026
Smaller Rolex Watches Showing Strength on Secondary Market, Data ShowsFive of the 10 fastest-appreciating Rolex models on Bob’s Watches were Datejust 31 or Lady Datejust watches.
MajorsSep 25, 2026
Sherwood Family Buys Back Daniel’s Jewelers from Private EquityThe Sherwood family and AJS Creations CEO Tejas Shah purchased the jewelry chain back from Palladium Equity Partners.
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2026
Brilliant Earth Collabs with Elizabeth Taylor Estate on Jewelry Collection“The Elizabeth Taylor Collection” uses lab-grown diamonds and gemstones in contemporary designs inspired by the icon.
TrendsSep 25, 2026
A Peek at Taylor Swift’s Game-Day DiamondsThe artist wore Dana Rebecca Designs’ marquise diamond-set gold hoops at the Chiefs game last Sunday. Now they’re our Piece of the Week.
AuctionsSep 24, 2026
8-Carat Blue Diamond Heads to UK Jewelry AuctionThe fancy light blue diamond is estimated to fetch up to $2.6 million at Elmwood’s next week.
TrendsSep 24, 2026
This New Jewelry Book Decodes the Secret Meaning in Victorian Jewelry“Secret Language of Victorian Jewelry” unveils the meaning behind the symbols, motifs, and gemstones used in Victorian-era jewelry.
