U.S. Attorney's Office Announces Guilty Plea in Nationwide Retail Fraud Scheme

Strategic Insights -

Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that RAMBO HARNA, a citizen of Romania, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and interstate transportation of stolen goods. The scheme involved defrauding Walmart stores across the country by using a sleight-of-hand technique to steal cash and merchandise. The co-conspirators would return stolen merchandise for refunds or obtain the full value of money orders and money transfer requests after paying for only a fraction of the cost. HARNA faces up to 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and supervised release as part of the nationwide initiative, Operation Take Back America.

Key Takeaways:

  • RAMBO HARNA, a citizen of Romania, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and interstate transportation of stolen goods.
  • The scheme involved defrauding Walmart stores across the country by using a sleight-of-hand technique to steal cash and merchandise.
  • The co-conspirators would return stolen merchandise for refunds or obtain the full value of money orders and money transfer requests after paying for only a fraction of the cost.
  • HARNA faces up to 5 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and supervised release.
  • The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative to combat cartels and transnational criminal organizations.
  • The operation streamlines efforts and resources from the Department's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
  • Homeland Security Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations, and Walmart Home Office Central Investigations Organized Retail Crime Division assisted in the investigation.
  • Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

Statistics:

  • Up to 5 years imprisonment faced by RAMBO HARNA
  • Up to a $250,000 fine faced by RAMBO HARNA
  • Mandatory $100 special assessment fee
  • 3 years of supervised release
  • The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative
  • At least 1 Walmart store location across the country was defrauded

Sources:

  • U.S. Attorney's Office, Department of Justice, news release (date not specified)