Roni Rubinov Leads $4M NYC Retail Theft Ring

New York – In a stunning blow to organized crime in the Big Apple, Attorney General Letitia James today announced convictions and sentencings for members of a colossal retail theft operation led by Roni Rubinov. The ring, which operated from 2017 to 2022, is believed to have stolen millions of dollars worth of goods from New York City stores before reselling them online.

“This crime ring was nothing short of a plague on our city’s businesses and residents,” Attorney General James stated. “Roni Rubinov and his gang not only stole from local retailers but also put people at risk as they executed their thefts.”

Rubinov, the ringleader, has been sentenced to two and a half to seven and a half years in state prison for Enterprise Corruption. He must also pay over $3.1 million in restitution. His accomplice, Yuriy Khodzhandiyev, was also charged with conspiracy.

The investigation, spearheaded by the Office of the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF) and the New York City Police Department’s Grand Larceny Division, resulted in the recovery of over $3.8 million in stolen goods. Rubinov and his gang targeted a variety of retailers across the city, with stolen items including electronics, clothing, gift cards, and even EBT cards.

“Rubinov’s enterprise was not just a theft ring; it was an operation that exploited vulnerable communities,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “Our commitment to holding accountable such networks is unwavering.”

The stolen goods were purchased at reduced prices by Rubinov and his employees, including A.Y., Lyudmila Yushuvayev, Zamira Shaganova, Erica Zambrano, and Ramdass Ramkissoon, and then resold online. The investigation also revealed that Rubinov used EBT cards to purchase groceries for his family, further demonstrating the sophistication of the crime ring.

RELATED: Roni Rubinov Leads $4M NYC Retail Theft Ring