New York Attorney General Letitia James has announced the convictions and sentencing of members involved in a large retail theft operation in New York City. The group’s leader, Roni Rubinov, was convicted of enterprise corruption for orchestrating the theft and resale of goods valued at millions from 2017 to 2022. This operation was uncovered through a collaborative investigation by the Office of the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF) and the New York City Police Department’s Grand Larceny Division.
The investigation recovered over $3.8 million in stolen merchandise, more than 550 stolen gift and cash cards, and over $300,000 in cash from Rubinov. He received a sentence of two and a half to seven and a half years in state prison, forfeited approximately $2.1 million, and is required to pay additional restitution exceeding $3.1 million. Thirty-five other individuals connected to this crime ring have also been convicted.
Attorney General James stated, “This crime ring organized bands of shoplifters to rob stores throughout our city, putting both businesses and everyday New Yorkers in danger.” She expressed gratitude towards law enforcement partners for their role in ensuring community safety.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch commented on the scale of the operation: “These convictions and sentences underscore the NYPD’s commitment to holding accountable any network that exploits vulnerable communities for profit.”
The investigation revealed that Rubinov collaborated with accomplices Yuriy Khodzhandiyev and Rafik Israilov to direct thieves who targeted retailers across New York City. The stolen items were taken to pawn shops operated by Rubinov before being resold online via an eBay store named Treasure-Deals-USA.
Additionally, Rubinov engaged in fraudulent activities involving Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards obtained from boosters in exchange for cash. These cards were used for personal grocery purchases.
Rubinov reinvested nearly 60% of his eBay profits back into his criminal enterprise for expenses such as payments to employees and marketing campaigns.
Convictions include Yuriy Khodzhandiyev sentenced to probation for attempted enterprise corruption; Rafik Israilov also received probation; Erica Zambrano was sentenced for money laundering; Ramdass Ramkissoon served jail time along with probation; others received varied sentences ranging from conditional discharges to state prison terms based on their roles within the organization.
OCTF thanked multiple organizations including Homeland Security’s El Dorado Task Force II — Major Frauds Group Special Agents Michael MacDonald and Kathleen Corbett — alongside Macy’s, CVS Pharmacy, Rite-Aid managers John Moore & Israel Herrera among others who assisted during investigations leading up-to these prosecutions
This comprehensive investigation utilized resources provided by eBay & PayPal with assistance directed by several OCTF detectives under various supervisors ensuring thorough examination resulting eventually prosecuting those responsible effectively bringing justice closer home safeguarding citizens against future similar threats posed potentially dangerous networks exploiting loopholes endangering society-at-large thus maintaining order lawfulness promoting trust public institutions working collaboratively tirelessly achieving desired outcomes necessary progress moving forward collectively stronger united front fighting crime together successfully ultimately benefiting everyone involved positively impacting overall wellbeing prosperity growth harmony peace stability security regionally nationally globally long-term sustainably
