Viral: Masked mob steals jewellery worth Rs 18 crore from Indian-American owned store in California
PTC News Desk: A surveillance video of a dramatic jewellery heist at a luxury store in Fremont, California, has gone viral online. The footage, released by the United States Department of Justice, shows a group of masked individuals storming into Kumar Jewelers — a store run by an Indian-American family — and carrying out a swift robbery.
Officials described the incident as a “mob-style takeover.” The video shows several vehicles screeching to a halt outside the shop before nearly two dozen suspects, dressed in dark hoodies, rush inside in a coordinated manner.
The robbery occurred on June 18, 2025. Armed with picks and hammers and carrying backpacks, the suspects smashed display cases within seconds and began stuffing gold and diamond jewellery into their bags. According to New York Post, the group managed to clear out around 75–80% of the store’s inventory with remarkable speed.
The Department of Justice has released footage of thugs stealing $1.7 million of jewelry in about one minute in Fremont, California.
The incident happened on June 18, 2025, at Kumar Jewelers.
The thugs were able to steal about 75% of the store's merchandise.
According to… pic.twitter.com/tTkcLek0w5 — Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) March 13, 2026
Authorities said the entire operation lasted about 70 seconds. The suspects then fled in multiple waiting vehicles, escaping with jewellery worth about $1.7 million.
The footage has stunned social media users, many commenting on how organised the gang appeared. One user wrote that such crimes continue because offenders believe they can escape consequences, adding that stronger law enforcement is needed. Another commenter pointed out that in India, many jewellery shops display imitation pieces while keeping original items secured in lockers, often underground or in sealed rooms without windows.
- With inputs from agencies
