Romanian Gang Jailed for £700K Burglary Spree After Tunneling Attempt Foiled
Three men received a combined sentence of over 10 years for their involvement in a series of high-value burglaries across London.
A Romanian gang linked to a burglary spree valued at over £700,000 has been sentenced to a combined total of 10 years and two months in prison.
Ioan Asafeti, 39, Laurentiu-Daniel Nitisoara, 38, and Sergiu Plastin, 42, were caught attempting to tunnel into a jewelry shop, Selvaraja Gold House, in Tooting, London. This incident occurred two months after they had successfully gained access to the same establishment, the Metropolitan Police reported.
Police responding to the second incident discovered a hole in the wall of a shower room within a massage parlor adjacent to the jewelry shop, along with digging tools and equipment. An officer's body-worn footage captured the discovery, with one noting that the burglars had not managed to penetrate the jewelry shop's wall.
Nitisoara was apprehended nearby in an alleyway, surrendering to officers. Asafeti was found hiding on a rooftop and arrested after police assisted him down. Plastin attempted to flee the country but was arrested at Stansted Airport on July 17 as he tried to travel to Ireland.
The investigation, led by the Met's Flying Squad, linked the trio to several burglaries targeting jewelry shops across London between May and July. The gang reportedly used tunneling tactics to bypass security systems.
Detective Chief Inspector Craig Magee stated that the sentencing sends a message to criminals targeting London businesses. He also noted that the arrests were part of a broader investigation that uncovered an organized crime group responsible for numerous jewelry shop break-ins amounting to over £700,000.
Interpol inquiries suggest the group may have connections to similar offenses in Europe.
At Kingston Crown Court in August, Asafeti, Nitisoara, and Plastin pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary with intent to steal and cause criminal damage. They were sentenced on Friday.
Asafeti received a sentence of four years and 10 months. Plastin was sentenced to three years and four months, and Nitisoara received a two-year sentence.