Three Romanian nationals are accused in federal court in New Orleans of ripping off area WalMart stores.
According to the indictment, Costel Aliman, Sabina Munteanu, and Rambo Harna would use cash to purchase items from WalMart, but use sleight-of-hand and distraction techniques to make the cashier believe they had been given the full amount for purchase, but would actually have been handed a lesser amount.
The government alleges Aliman, Munteanu, and Harna would then return the merchandise to another WalMart location for a full refund.
The trio is accused of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and interstate transportation of stolen goods. If convicted, they face up to five years in prison and fines of $250,000.
