Two sentenced in burglary ring targeting Asians in Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Two foreign nationals tied to a multi-state burglary ring targeting people of Asian descent, including in Rhode Island, were sentenced Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Providence.

Jorge Andres Cardenas Murillo, 32, a Colombian national identified as a central figure in the conspiracy, was sentenced by Judge Melissa R. DuBose to four years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property and two counts of attempted interstate transportation of stolen property. Federal authorities have issued an immigration detainer against him.

Mohammed Islam, 30, a Bangladeshi national, received a sentence of 33 months in prison and three years of supervised release. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property, interstate transportation of property obtained by fraud, and two counts of attempted interstate transportation of stolen property.

According to prosecutors, from July through December 2022, the burglary crew targeted homes across several states — including at least two in Rhode Island — stealing cash, jewelry, and other valuables before transporting the items across state lines for profit.

Court records show the group operated in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Wisconsin, and Florida. Members of the conspiracy employed advanced tactics such as drones and GPS trackers to monitor victims, used lookouts to watch police activity, and relied on getaway drivers while others broke into homes.

Investigators estimate the ring stole more than $717,000 in property and cash.

Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation, with support from police departments across Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Delaware, Wisconsin, New Jersey, New York, and Florida, along with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.