There seem to be quite a few of these “ultra-Orthodox” Jewish enclaves in the New York/New Jersey region in which the religion and its trappings are little more than covers for organized crime. Dressing in the anachronistic get-ups and making a big show of following an incomprehensible laundry list of weird rules and socializing only with their “own kind” is an effective way to keep prying eyes and ears at a safe distance. Meanwhile, when it comes to the actual substance of their lives, they casually toss some pretty big, normal rules overboard — like the “thou shalt not bear false witness” rule and the “thou shalt not steal” rule.
It seems to be the perfect “cover” for a large criminal enterprise.
Beards and crosses can be maskirovka. And let us not forget the presumption of innocence.