A South Korean national has been arrested in Manhattan following an audacious luxury watch scam that allegedly swindled a high-end jeweller out of timepieces worth $2.8 million (£2.2 million).
The Elaborate Fraud Scheme
According to authorities, the 27-year-old suspect orchestrated an intricate plot involving:
- Falsified wire transfer confirmations
- Sophisticated counterfeit documents
- Multiple fraudulent transactions
The scheme reportedly targeted a prominent Manhattan jewellery store specialising in rare and expensive watches.
How the Scam Unfolded
Investigators revealed that the suspect would:
- Select high-value watches worth hundreds of thousands each
- Present fake proof of wire transfers from overseas accounts
- Provide forged banking documents to verify the transactions
- Leave with the watches before the fraud was detected
International Investigation
The case has drawn attention from international law enforcement as the suspect is believed to have committed similar crimes in Singapore. New York prosecutors are working with overseas counterparts to determine the full scope of the alleged fraud network.
Key details:
- Total value of stolen watches: $2.8 million
- Suspect's age: 27 years old
- Primary location: Manhattan jewellery district
The accused currently faces multiple felony charges including grand larceny and criminal possession of stolen property. If convicted, he could face significant prison time under New York state law.
