Walking through the streets of central London is supposed to be glamorous and enthralling. World-famous shops, upmarket restaurants, grand architecture and so much history that even a boffin’s mind could be blown away. But just metres from Oxford Street, this reputation is in tatters. In the shadow of Marble Arch — one of the many jewels in our capital’s dazzling crown — is a begging gang run by a violent criminal.
Romanian national Iliuta Gruia has been to prison several times and received a restraining order in his home country for wielding an axe and threatening to kill an entire family, including the children. Gruia, from Botosani in northern Romania, has long been on the Express’ radar. We first met him as part of a group that camped out in the nearby exclusive Park Lane last year. Express reporters frequented the illegal camp and Gruia often became aggressive and shouty. During a visit with Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp, he pursued the MP around the site to point an imaginary gun at the camera and accuse him of “racism”.
Back on London Streets
After seemingly months away from London, this week we learned Gruia was back on the streets of the capital, this time setting up base next to Marble Arch. On Wednesday, I went down to the litter-strewn site to confront Gruia and get some answers. The presence of my photographer and I was met with fury. The around dozen-strong group were on some sort of high alert, immediately springing into action as we approached with phone and microphone in hand. One woman threw a drink towards us, while we were screamed at from all angles. Most of the shouts were in what I believe was Romanian, although I can say with confidence they were not declaring words of welcome.
I repeatedly asked Gruia whether he was running a begging gang. He barely battered an eyelid. Except for muttering a few words — likely in Romanian — he refused to speak. He was also silent when I asked where he had been. One man said “no problem” over and over as he tried to usher us away, while another claimed “we’re normal”. The tense standoff reached a flashpoint when a woman attempted to fling her bag towards us as we moved away.
Public Reaction and Criminal Activity
In fact the situation was so heated, that a driver pulled over and got out to share some strong words with the group, the majority of whom are believed to be from Eastern Europe. He too was met with anger. Perhaps the passerby was sticking up for us, or maybe he’s had enough of this group, some of whom have a reputation for stealing and attempting to pick pockets along Oxford Street. Some members of the group have also been seen by the Express urinating in public and drinking vodka despite an order in the area banning public boozing.
It is thought the gang’s numbers swell during the peak tourist season in the summer and before Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, before returning home with their boosted coffers. Mr Philp told the Express that Gruia was using the encampment by Marble Arch as a base for a “Fagin-style criminal gang” and called for the “violent criminal” to be deported immediately and “not allowed back”. He claimed Gruia’s returns to the streets of London is proof Labour “doesn’t care about criminals endangering the public”.
Police Soft Touch
The police earlier this week attempted to move the group on, but some returned within 10 minutes in what is a clear sign of the soft touch many believe the UK now is. The group’s presence, in one of London’s most expensive postcodes, is a stark contrast to the grandiose sight of Marble Arch.
