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Authorities Bust Massive Criminal Theft Enterprise

Grand Central's Apple store overlooks the train station's main concourse. The store opened in December 2011.
Grand Central's Apple store overlooks the train station's main concourse. The store opened in December 2011.

Authorities have broken up a massive criminal theft enterprise in New York City.

Authorities allege Roni Rubinov built up a multi-million dollar theft organization over recent years. He’s accused of hiring managers who got shoplifters to steal all kinds of merchandise that was being resold on Rubinov’s eBay store. Kathryn Wylde with the Partnership for New York City says this came as businesses were hurting during the coronavirus pandemic.

“We have seen dozens of stores closed. We have lost thousands of jobs because of this activity. The workers in the stores have been terrorized.”

Fourty-one people have been arrested and face a number of charges, including enterprise corruption and money laundering.