Romanian Organized Crime Bust Nets 2 Arrests In San Jose: Police

SAN JOSE, CA — San Jose investigators arrested two men who police allege committed more than two dozen offenses in service of a Romanian organized crime operation.

In a news release, police said multiple search warrants were served at homes in San Jose and Livermore last Wednesday. According to investigators, the list of crimes included armed carjacking, armed robbery, strong-arm robbery and grand theft spanning from July to October.

The two men arrested were identified as Renaldo Vaduva, 19, and Mogos Constanin, 25.

Police said the search warrants netted evidence of the crimes, along with $13,000 in cash. Detectives also seized three vehicles and evidence that may be linked to Facebook Marketplace scams, credit card skimming and money laundering.

Officials said the city has seen a "large increase" in Romanian organized crime operations, particularly targeting members of the Asian and Indian communities. Suspects often approach elderly victims to ask for directions, then place fake jewelry on them as a "thank you," while swapping out the real jewelry, police said. Investigators believe the same ring is behind several carjackings, robberies, burglaries, home invasions and scams around the area.

Anyone with information on the case can contact the department's robbery unit at 408-277-4166.