Shoplifting Ring Busted, Five Arrested in New York City
$2 Million Worth of Stolen Goods Sold in NYC and Dominican Republic
A shoplifting ring that stole nearly $2 million in clothes and beauty products from Macy’s and other well-known stores in the US and resold them in New York City and the Dominican Republic has been busted, law enforcement officials announced Tuesday.
Five New Yorkers Charged with Felony Possession and Conspiracy
Five individuals have been charged with felony possession of stolen property, conspiracy, and other related crimes, according to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. The bust served as a reminder to shoppers to make sure they are supporting legitimate establishments, especially during the holiday shopping season.
Governor’s Comments
New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who joined the district attorney and other law enforcement officials in Queens, emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses and warned that shoplifting is a significant problem. "When a deal seems too good to be true, I guarantee you, it’s too good to be true," she said.
Organized Retail Theft
Nationally, businesses lose roughly $100 billion, and the average family pays $500 more a year due to organized retail theft, according to Governor Hochul. The arrests also marked the first time anyone has been charged under a new criminal statute of fostering the sale of stolen goods, which she recently signed into law to combat retail theft.
Group’s Operations
The group, led by a married couple, Cristopher Guzman and Yvelisse Guzman Batista, directed shoplifting crews to steal high-end makeup, perfume, beauty products, and designer clothing and accessories from stores such as Macy’s, Victoria’s Secret, American Eagle, Sephora, and Ulta Beauty over a roughly two-year period.
Resale of Stolen Goods
The group’s stolen goods were resold online and at a brick-and-mortar boutique called Yvelisse Fashion in Santiago, Dominican Republic. The group also paid truck drivers to divert products bound for retailers from manufacturer warehouses directly to locations under their control.
Defendants’ Plea
The defendants, including the married couple, have pleaded not guilty to the charges. Their lawyer, Vince Scala, expressed doubts about the evidence against them, stating that he has yet to review the case.
Conclusion
The arrests highlight the importance of supporting local businesses and being cautious of deals that seem too good to be true. The push against retail theft is part of a broader effort to combat public safety issues and address concerns about organized crime.
FAQs
Q: How much was stolen in this shoplifting ring?
A: Nearly $2 million
Q: How many individuals were arrested in connection with the ring?
A: Five
Q: What was the motive behind the group’s operations?
A: To steal high-end merchandise and resell it online and at a boutique in the Dominican Republic
Q: What was the Governor’s response to the arrests?
A: The Governor emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses and warned of the impact of organized retail theft on the economy.
