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Cartier Heist Ringleader Nabbed in Brooklyn, Feds Say

By Murray Weiss | April 23, 2014 5:43pm
 Masked thieves stole 16 watches from Cartier's Midtown shop on Jan. 30, 2014, police said.
Cartier Robbery
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BROOKLYN — The ringleader of a violent robbery gang was arrested in Brooklyn by the FBI for his role in the $700,000 smash-and-grab Cartier heist earlier this year and several others, authorities said.

Sean “Luca BraSi” Robinson, 32, was grabbed early Wednesday morning at his home on Ten Eyck Avenue in Williamsburg by a team of federal agents, official said.

Four other men have already been nabbed in the midday robbery of the 653 Fifth Ave. Cartier store on Jan. 30 in which five masked thieves smashed display cases with hammers at 12:30 p.m. and made off with 16 watches worth $709,000, according to the FBI and the NYPD.

According to a federal indictment unsealed in Manhattan Federal Court, Robinson is considered a leader of a "violent interstate robbery crew from Brooklyn."

Before they crashed into the Fifth Ave. Cartier store, the gang is alleged to have committed five other jewelry store heists dating back two years, including a robbery in Brooklyn where an employee was shot, and others in Atlantic City, N.J.; Richmond Va.; New Canaan, Conn, and Cranford, N.J.

 The FBI is looking for Ralik Hansen, who is accused of participating in a $700,000 heist at the Cartier store on Fifth Avenue at 52nd Street.
The FBI is looking for Ralik Hansen, who is accused of participating in a $700,000 heist at the Cartier store on Fifth Avenue at 52nd Street.
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FBI

In addition to Robinson, two other Brooklynites, Allen Williams, 35, of Bedford-Stuyvesant, and Roberto Grant, 33, of Brownsville, were among those previously arrested.

Another suspect, identified as Ralik Hansen, 28, is also being sought, official said. Hansen has previously been charged with robbery, attempted rape and forcible touching, according to a source familiar with the case.

Hansen is described as 6-foot-1, 205 pounds, with a shaved head and scars on his left wrist and left elbow. He often goes by "Rahlik" and "Rah," the FBI said.

The FBI is offering an undisclosed reward for tips leading to an arrest. Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI at 212-384-1000.