Stuart, Florida police arrested 33-year-old Romanian Marcu Rostas, dubbed “the wandering gypsy,” on suspicion of stealing jewelry valued at around $400,000. The arrest occurred on Thursday, August 28, 2025, while Rostas was with his wife and two children, one of whom was reportedly wearing a Rolex watch worth $40,000.
Officers became suspicious after a jewelry store in Stuart was robbed the day prior. Upon stopping Rostas's vehicle, they discovered a trove of stolen items hidden in the car, including a $40,000 diamond ring, gold chains, gold coins, and an additional $30,000 in cash. The sheriff's office estimated the total value of the recovered items to be approximately $400,000.
Authorities reported that Rostas concealed some of the stolen goods within a stuffed animal belonging to one of his children. The investigation is ongoing, as police believe he may be linked to similar thefts across multiple states.
The arrest of Rostas follows a pattern of high-profile jewelry thefts, raising concerns about organized crime in the region. As previously reported, this incident adds to the growing list of recent developments in criminal justice matters in Florida.
