How two Romanians acted who stole over 50,000 dollars from women they tricked in parking lots in Australia
Two Romanian citizens, aged 37 and 57, were arrested in the Australian state of New South Wales, accused of stealing more than 50,000 dollars from 18 elderly women, through a scheme set up in the parking lots of several shopping centers. According to the police, the acts allegedly took place between January 3 and 7, 2026, in cities such as Newcastle, Wagga Wagga and several suburbs of Sydney.
Video source: Instagram/ @newcastleherald
According to New South Wales police, the two men would have acted together, using a method to distract the victims. One of the suspects approached the women and told them that the car had a technical problem, asking them to open the hood, reports The Guardian. While the victim was busy checking the alleged malfunction, the other man stole wallets, money or bank cards from inside the car.
“They would approach them on the driver's side or the front of the car and tell them there was a problem with the vehicle.”NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Stacey Maloney said. “The victim, concerned about a possible mechanical or cosmetic fault, was getting out of the car, and while they were discussing the alleged problem, the other accomplice steal the objects inside”.
Dozens of indictments and suspicious assets found by police
The two men had been in Australia on visas since December 28, 2025 and were charged with 72 offenses each, including fraud, theft and unauthorized access to vehicles. After searching the car and their belongings, police found car wires, international passports, mobile phones, a laptop, $6,000 in cash and bank transfer receipts.
According to The Guardian, both suspects were held without bail and were due to appear in court on Thursday.
