Two foreign nationals were sentenced in U.S. District Court in Providence for their roles in a multi-state burglary ring that targeted individuals of Asian descent, including victims in Rhode Island. The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
Jorge Andres Cardenas Murillo, 32, a Colombian national identified as a central figure in the conspiracy, received a sentence of 48 months of incarceration followed by three years of supervised release from U.S. District Court Judge Melissa R. DuBose. He had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property and two counts of attempt to commit interstate transportation of stolen property. An immigration detainer has been issued against Cardenas Murillo.
Mohammed Islam, 30, a Bangladesh national, was sentenced by Judge DuBose to 33 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Islam pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property, interstate transportation of property taken by fraud, and two counts of attempt to commit interstate transportation of stolen property.
The court found that from July 2022 through December 2022, members of the group targeted residences across several states with the intention to steal cash, jewelry, and other valuables before transporting the goods across state lines for financial gain.
According to court documents, members surveilled individuals and properties before burglarizing or attempting burglaries at homes in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Wisconsin, and Florida. The conspirators used advanced tactics such as drones and GPS trackers on vehicles to monitor potential victims’ movements and determine when homes would be empty. They also employed drones and lookouts to track law enforcement activity and organized getaway drivers while others carried out break-ins.
Court records indicate that at least $717,735 worth of cash and property was stolen during these operations.
Assistant United States Attorneys Julianne Klein and Ly T. Chin prosecuted the cases.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from multiple local police departments across Rhode Island; Massachusetts; New Hampshire; Connecticut; Wisconsin; Delaware; New Jersey; New York City; Jacksonville and Flagler County in Florida; Massachusetts State Police; Pennsylvania State Police; and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
