A “sophisticated criminal organization” made up of newly arrived immigrants living in a New York City shelter is terrorizing local residents on mopeds. Among them is a 62-year-old woman who was violently dragged across the sidewalk as robbers took away her belongings.
Kleiber Andrade, 19, and Juan Uskatuy, 23, were arrested Friday on suspicion of being part of an immigrant gang involved in at least 62 grand thefts across the Big Apple. report of new york post.
One of the most horrifying robberies allegedly committed by members of the group occurred just three days after Christmas, when criminals on a moped brutally robbed Irina Panteleva on Brooklyn’s Sheepshead Bay Road. I dragged it in.
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) has released shocking footage of the incident, which shows an innocent woman jumping into a metal bike rack.
new: @NYPD girl A video of a woman being dragged by an “immigrant moped gang” in New York City has been released.@NYCMayor He says the problem isn’t where you come from, it’s about breaking the law. “If they’re going to use organized methods to commit crimes, that can’t and won’t happen, in New State… pic.twitter.com/pRpGAinLTr
— Ali Bradley (@AliBradleyTV) February 6, 2024
Panteleva, whose bag, keys, phone, credit card and glasses were stolen in the attack, said: post After experiencing that trauma, she feels “sick.”
Construction director Nesat Mamudosky told the outlet that the bruised woman was very upset and asked for a new key to her apartment.
“She is a lovely woman and a good person,” Mamudsky said, calling Panteleva’s attacker “a despicable person.”
“I came here from Yugoslavia 44 years ago and I respected America,” said the 69-year-old immigrant. “Not like those thieves.”
Two alleged members of the criminal network have been arrested, but police are still searching for a Venezuelan immigrant recently in the Bronx named Victor Parra, who served as the ringleader of the 14-person crew. ing.
Parra, 30, was released from prison by a judge in December after being arrested for grand theft, officials said. post.
NYPD Lt. Nicholas Fiore said at a news conference Monday that Parra persuaded people to “do dirty work to get things like cell phones.”
“He’s a big target. He’s caused a lot of trouble in New York City. And hopefully we can get him and make some progress on this,” Fiore told reporters.
The people said Mr. Andrade and Mr. Uzkatti had already identified themselves as their bosses in statements to investigators, and the NYPD hoped to arrest him and other members of the organization soon.
Others that immigration police have linked to the group include Yan Jimenez, 25, of Manhattan. Anthony Ramos, 21, of Manhattan. Richard Saledo, 21, lives in the Bronx. Beike Jimenez, 21, lives in the Bronx. Maria Manaura (32) lives in Manhattan. said Samuel Castro, 27, of Queens. post.
It is unclear whether the migrants already detained or known to police are the same migrants arrested on suspicion of assaulting Panteleva.
All of them had prior arrests for grand larceny, but were released without bail pending their court dates.
According to officials, they have been terrorizing the city since mid-November 2023.
NYPD Chief of Detectives Joe Kenney said in a separate news conference Monday that the suspects were part of a “sophisticated criminal organization” made up of new immigrants.
“Parla will send a message via WhatsApp saying it’s looking for your phone,” Kenny said. “Then the text says ‘I have money, I’m free, go get it.'”
Police say moped drivers can earn up to $100 a day, while accompanying cellphone snatchers can earn between $300 and $600 per stolen device.
Kenney said the phones are hacked and the victims’ financial assets are drained and sold to buyers across the state and around the world.
“This theft network primarily resides in immigrant shelters,” Kenney said. “They’re using social media platforms to organize and coordinate this. This is how they do it.”
Investigators say the gang is involved in 62 incidents across the city, but could be involved in as many as 150 and amassed hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of stolen goods. There is.
“We want to be very clear,” Mayor Eric Adams (D) told reporters. “It doesn’t matter if that person is an immigrant, an asylum seeker, or a long-time New Yorker, if they break the law, they will be investigated and processed by the criminal justice system.
“If you are committing any kind of criminal activity that impacts the quality of life of New Yorkers, you should not be allowed to walk the streets of New York City,” he continued. “These people don’t have a permit to steal in our city.”
Related — New York City Mayor Eric Adams: Immigration crisis will destroy New York City
