Five Gagauzia men, ages 20-30, were arrested after allegedly carrying out a series of robberies, burglaries and thefts to a total damage of 530,000 lei.

The Chisinau police said that in March the gang stole money by breaking into ATM machines in three separate locations. In May, they broke into a Durlesti grocery store and stole a safe with cash from a currency exchange desk located there.

The bandits always wore balaclavas and gloves and had special equipment to crack safes besides the typical crowbar. They also permanently changed the plates on their car to avoid being traced down through security cameras.

On Thursday, the suspected gang’s leader was arrested for 30 days, as the other members were apprehended several days earlier, including one arrested in Germany. The value of stolen property qualifies under Moldovan law as “significantly great amounts”, which could land the suspects in jail for up to 15 years.