WHITE SETTLEMENT (WBAP/KLIF News ) – Almost a year after an organized crime ring began targeting Buddhist temples in North Texas, White Settlement Police have identified a suspect.
In November 2022, a group of people claiming to need prayers broke into the Theravada temple’s living quarters and stole $38,000 in cash.
White Settlement PD Chief Chris Cook said the group used a distasteful tactic to gain the temple employees’ trust.
“Very similar tactic where they appear as if they want these prayers or looking for information on how to attend services at the temple when in reality they’re only there to distract the employees,” he said.
He said they were able to use facial recognition software from the temple’s surveillance video to identify 36-year-old Narcis Chiciu, who had been in some legal civil trouble in Florida.
“Now that we have a name, we believe if someone can provide us a tip and get us some information on where he’s at. We then work backwards and can identify the female and male suspects that probably are likely hitting temples across the United States,” he said.
Chief Cook urges anyone at places of worship to train staff on what to do if they encounter a suspicious person and to contact police when needed.
“Both monks had become overwhelmed. When they look back on it they saw the tale tell signs that something wasn’t right but they didn’t act on it until it was too late,” he said.
The White Settlement theft was part of a larger group of North Texas targets that included temples in Irving and Fort Worth.
Authorities believe the group has committed similar offenses in California, Nevada and Colorado.
Anyone who recognizes Chiciu or has information is asked to contact White Settlement PD at 817-246-7070 or Tarrant County Crime Stoppers at 817-469-TIPS.
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