WASHINGTON, D.C. – Authorities suspect that an organized crime group from Romania is targeting religious institutions across the country in a series of bold daylight robberies. In the span of April and May, two Buddhist temples, two mosques, and one Hindu temple in the Washington, D.C., area fell victim to these brazen heists, officials said.
Montgomery County Police believe the Romanian Organized Crime Group, known as the ROMAs, has been behind at least seven similar incidents in 2023. Arrests have been made in about half of these cases, according to local law enforcement. Officers arrested Alex Dumitru, 23, and Natalian Dumitru, 18, last month in connection with two of the burglaries. Since their arrests, no further religious institutions in the area have been targeted, said Montgomery County Police Lieutenant Andrew Suh.
Surveillance footage from the Wat Thai Buddhist Temple in Silver Spring, Maryland, captured a group of thieves entering a monk’s residence during a funeral service and stealing $20,000 in donations from a safe. The suspects were identified as members of the ROMAs, and evidence found in their homes linked them to the crimes. Both men were charged with first-degree burglary and released on $10,000 bonds.
Lieutenant Suh explained that the Romanian group has been active in the D.C. area for about a decade. “Quelling their activities is like cutting the heads of a hydra,” he said, emphasizing the group’s resilience and widespread presence.
Despite targeting religious institutions, Suh clarified that these burglaries are not considered hate crimes but rather crimes of opportunity. “This organization is generally focused on obtaining monetary rewards,” he said, noting that the group lacks political motivations.
In another incident, a temple in Accokeek, Maryland, provided surveillance footage showing men attempting to break in around mid-March. Although they damaged the door, the monks managed to scare them off before they could steal anything.
Montgomery County faith leader Kate Chance highlighted the impact of these crimes on religious communities. “Houses of worship are upset because they’re using their funds to help the community,” she said. Chance recommended that religious hubs apply for area grants to enhance their security measures.
Chris Swecker, a former FBI assistant director, noted that while the ROMAs are not violent, they are highly skilled at property crimes. “They know where to find value and prey on peaceful communities,” he said. Swecker called for a more coordinated federal effort to tackle such transient organized crime groups.