NYPD detective Saul Arismendy De La Cruz took bribes to help robbers targeting Asian-Americans avoid arrest: feds
A former detective for the New York Police Department (NYPD) has been accused of taking bribes from a robbery crew that targeted Asian-American small business owners, helping them avoid arrest in exchange for cash, according to federal prosecutors. Saul Arismendy De La Cruz, 31, allegedly received bribes from ringleader Dagoberto Soto-Ramirez and his four-man crew from 2017 until 2022. The crew targeted their victims by stalking them, conducting internet research and rewarding tipsters. In total, they were responsible for “scores” of home robberies throughout the US. The accused now face charges of racketeering conspiracy which could see them each handed a 20-year sentence.
FAQs:
Who was the former NYPD detective who took bribes from a robbery crew?
Saul Arismendy De La Cruz was the former NYPD detective accused of taking bribes.
Who were the robbery crew that targeted Asian-American small business owners?
Dagoberto Soto-Ramirez was the ringleader of the robbery crew that targeted Asian-American small business owners.
What charges did the accused face?
All five men involved were charged with racketeering conspiracy, which could see them each handed a 20-year sentence if found guilty.
What was the motivation for the accused’s crimes?
The robbery crew targeted their marks to steal money, jewelry and other valuable possessions.
What was the alleged involvement of the former NYPD detective?
Saul Arismendy De La Cruz allegedly assisted the crew by helping them evade arrest in exchange for bribes of cash.
According to federal authorities, Saul Arismendy De La Cruz, an NYPD detective, accepted bribes to assist robbers who were specifically targeting individuals of Asian-American descent in evading arrest.
A former New York Police Department detective is accused of taking bribes from a crew of robbers who targeted Asian-Americans, according to federal prosecutors. The indictment alleges that Saul Arismendy De La Cruz, 31, took money from ringleader Dagoberto Soto-Ramirez and his four-man crew in exchange for helping them avoid arrest between 2017 and 2022. The group allegedly carried out numerous home robberies in New York and across the country, stealing money, jewellery and other property from its victims. De La Cruz, who was allegedly known as “Nene” and “Venom” to the gang, is said to have had a salary of $143,092 in 2022, though he was suspended without pay that November amid a federal probe into an off-duty shooting he was involved in. He retired in December 2022. All five men, including Soto-Ramirez, are charged with racketeering conspiracy and face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.