A Romanian begging gang has brazenly defied police orders by returning to their makeshift camp near Marble Arch just minutes after being cleared. The Express witnessed about 20 members of the organised group ignore instructions to vacate the site on Tuesday, July 14, or risk having their possessions seized.
The gang set up a shanty town on a patch of grass at the corner of Oxford Street and Park Lane, in the shadow of the iconic Marble Arch. This is the same group that camped nearby last year, prompting accusations that authorities are a 'soft touch'. The Express observed gang members lounging, smoking, and sleeping under a plane tree before police arrived.
Police Operation and Immediate Return
Half a dozen Metropolitan Police officers descended on the site, forcing the group to move. The gang members trundled trollies filled with black bin bags to benches on the other side of the site, waiting for police to leave. Within 10 minutes, two women returned, placed cardboard on the ground, and lay down again. The police operation followed complaints from locals about public urination, drinking, and street gambling. Businesses also reported shoplifting and pickpocketing by gang members.
Gang Leader and Criminal History
The ringleader is believed to be Iliuta Gruia, a violent Romanian criminal with a restraining order for threatening to kill children. He was photographed at the site on Monday, July 13, watching a card game. Gruia previously lashed out at the Express's investigations editor. He was absent during Tuesday's police operation, and those present denied knowing him despite being photographed with him 24 hours earlier.
Workers in Oxford Street told the Mail that the group flies from Romania each year to coincide with the tourist season and Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park.
Council Response
Councillor David Harvey, Westminster Council's cabinet member for housing and regeneration, said: 'We continue to encourage those at the site to relocate and move away from rough sleeping and offer support for them to do that. Where that help is persistently declined — and the individuals involved cause anti-social behaviour and unlawfully occupy these spaces — we will take appropriate enforcement action. Westminster's streets, parks and public spaces need to be safe, accessible and welcoming for everyone.'
The Metropolitan Police was approached for comment but did not respond.
