A woman authorities say is "just the tip of the iceberg of a much larger, international theft ring" made her first court appearance Thursday in Hennepin County District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
23-year old Baronita Rostas was arrested in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. Investigators say the scheme was documented in several retail stores throughout the metro.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty says it is a case of 'sleight of hand'.
"They used cash and they put it on the counter, and are able to take some of that cash back when they distract the clerk, and have a clerk look at the screen again," explains Moriarty. "So essentially what they're doing is taking money. Putting out the full amount of money and taking money when the clerk isn't looking."
Moriarty says Rostas' alleged actions in the Twin Cities occurred between March and late July of this year. She says the ring is being investigated by the state commerce department, big retail, and an international crime analyst who Moriarty says has been tracking this Romania-based group for years.
"This particular crime group has been operating internationally, we're told," Moriarty said. "She has five different warrants from three different states. We can certainly learn more about her and figure out what is appropriate accountability for her, but big picture I think the key is to try to figure out who's responsible for this behavior. As I said, we are told it's international so obviously she's just a small piece of what's going on."
Rostas has been charged with one felony count of theft by swindle in connection with a quick change scheme that was documented in several retail stores throughout the Twin Cities' metro area. The initial charge alleges losses of at least $6,280.00 between March 14, 2023 and July 27, 2023. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are possible according to the County Attorney.
The case is the result of a lengthy investigation conducted by the Minnesota Department of Commerce Fraud Bureau, along with the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office and investigators with TJX Companies (who operate T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, Homegoods, Sierra, and other retail stores around the country).
“This is a complex case, involving several agencies and a significant amount of work,” Moriarty said. “This sort of high-volume, organized fraud has a significant impact on businesses and their employees, and ultimately impacts all of us through higher prices. We take this crime seriously and will aggressively prosecute those responsible.”
According to the criminal complaint:
In June 2023, agents with the Minnesota Department of Commerce Fraud Bureau began investigating members of a Romanian organized crime group who are involved in “quick change” or “sleight of hand” distraction thefts occurring at retail stores all around the United States. The investigation began after a report from crime investigators with TJX Companies. TJX investigators identified several members of the Romanian organized crime group involved in these schemes, including Rostas. The investigation showed that Rostas has traveled around the country and successfully engaged in this retail fraud scheme for several years, along with other members of the Romanian organized crime group.
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