A prolific international fraudster, previously convicted for a major scam in the United States, has been jailed in the UK for a series of distraction thefts that targeted independent jewellers, with one raid forcing a business to close its doors.
A Transatlantic Crime Wave
Legenda Rostas, 30, a Romanian national, was sentenced to just eight weeks in prison at Swindon Crown Court after admitting her role in a theft that netted almost £7,000 in cash, silver, and a Rolex watch. The court heard she appeared via video link from a prison cell and was ordered to pay a £154 victim surcharge.
However, this UK crime spree was merely a continuation of her criminal activities. The Daily Mail can reveal that before arriving in Britain, Rostas was part of a sophisticated fraud gang in the United States. Alongside her husband, Daniel Rostas, 32, and sister Loredana Angel, 36, she targeted stores like Target and Home Depot between 2017 and 2022.
Their scam involved buying pre-paid Visa gift cards using cash. They would use a sleight of hand trick, showing staff the full amount in cash but only handing over a portion, wiring the rest to family in Romania. By the time cashiers realised the shortfall, the gang had left and could spend the fully loaded cards anywhere.
US investigators found Rostas had transferred more than £168,000 to Romanian accounts. Arrested in Arnold, Missouri, in October 2022, the trio provided false identities. All three pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and illegal re-entry, with Rostas receiving a two-year sentence.
Devastating Impact on UK Businesses
Upon coming to the UK, Rostas, allegedly with accomplice Ivan Rostas, 52, who has since fled the country, turned her attention to jewellery shops. CCTV from multiple incidents shows the pair using coordinated distraction techniques.
In one raid on July 19 at Old Bank Antiques in Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire, they stole a £5,000 Rolex watch and £1,000 worth of silver. In a separate incident at the same shop, they were captured on film counting out cash to buy gold before swiping £800, which the man hid behind his back.
The consequences were catastrophic for the business owner, Jon White. His shop, which had featured on BBC's Antiques Road Trip six times, was forced to close permanently. The targeted staff member blamed herself, lost all confidence, and resigned.
"As a direct result of this crime the antique shop has closed and will remain closed for the immediate future," Mr White told the Daily Mail. "Right now, it simply isn't viable to recruit and train new people while also juggling everything else that life, and business, is throwing at me."
Questions Over Borders and Sentencing
Following the circulation of the couple's images, Mr White was contacted by businesses across the UK who recognised them. An ex-magician himself, he noted their techniques were "very, very clever" and would fool most people.
The case raises serious questions about border security and sentencing. None of the stolen items have been recovered, and it is understood no deportation order was made for Rostas upon her release. Her eight-week sentence has been met with disbelief.
Mr White expressed bafflement, stating: "It’s baffling how someone with US federal convictions and at least two years of prison time for theft, wire fraud and illegal re-entry managed to stroll into the UK in the first place. A quick Google of her name brings up court records, media coverage and mugshots... Yet somehow, here she was, helping herself to a Rolex, cash and some silverware."
