Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that Rambo Harna, a Romanian citizen, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and interstate transportation of stolen goods. The plea was entered on June 26, 2025, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371.
Court records reveal that Harna and others conspired to defraud Walmart stores nationwide. The scheme involved co-conspirators distracting cashiers while pretending to hand over the full amount of money for purchases but secretly retrieving a large portion of the cash. They would then return merchandise for refunds at different Walmart locations or obtain full value for money orders and transfers after paying only part of the cost.
Harna's sentencing is set for July 23, 2025, before United States District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown. He faces up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, three years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations. The operation involves resources from the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
Simpson commended Homeland Security Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations, and Walmart Home Office Central Investigations Organized Retail Crime Division for their roles in investigating this case. Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell is leading the prosecution.
