Crime

Man Found Guilty of Running $20M Retail Theft Ring

CrimeApr 19, 2022

Man Found Guilty of Running $20M Retail Theft Ring

Artur Gilowski, 48, made more than $1 million selling stolen merchandise online, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

2021_crime handcuffs.png
Dallas—An Illinois man could spend up to 25 years in prison after being convicted of spearheading a multi-million-dollar operation in which merchandise stolen from brick-and-mortar stores was sold online. 

Following a four-day trial in late March, a federal jury found 48-year-old Artur Gilowski, of Barrington, Illinois, guilty of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property and conspiracy to commit mail fraud.  

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Dallas said Gilowski’s co-conspirators stole thousands of items worth about $20 million from stores across the United States. 

The thieves traveled across the country in vehicles often registered to fictious persons or tied to nonexistent addresses and used “booster skirts”—garments with concealed pouches— and electronic transmitters designed to interfere with stores’ anti-theft systems. 

They stole from Best Buy, Staples, OfficeMax, Office Depot, Walmart, and Lowe’s Home Improvement, according to the indictment in the case. 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office said the stolen merchandise was shipped to Gilowski, who sold it on various e-commerce sites—the indictment mentions Gilowski operating storefronts on Amazon and eBay specifically—generating a total of $11 million-plus in profits. 

To do so, he created numerous online seller profiles, as well as multiple bank accounts and companies registered in other people’s names.

Evidence in the case showed Gilowski made more than a million dollars in cash from his operation, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said, including $97,000 that was found in the center console of his truck. One of his co-conspirators testified at trial that Gilowski “treated money like trash.”

 Related stories will be right here … 

The indictment in the case involved Gilowski was handed down in September 2019. It lists a total of 26 defendants, five of whom pleaded guilty prior to Gilowski’s trial. 

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the five who entered pleas were Sandro Kozlowski, Changcheng Li, Kaifeng Hu, Stanislaw Kobylarczyk, and Piotr Greszta. They all pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property except for Hu, who pleaded to misprision of a felony (knowing about a felony and not reporting it). 

In addition, the husband-and-wife pair of Darius and Danuta Noskiewicz pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property but are currently fugitives, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. 

Gilowski faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in federal prison. His sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 2.

He was detained immediately after the verdict came in, however, because he has a history of violence and is considered a flight risk, as he has “significant ties” to his native country of Poland, court papers show. 

The Latest

Botswana Minster of Minerals and Energy Bogolo Joy Kenewendo
EditorsApr 15, 2025
Q&A: Bogolo Joy Kenewendo on Making Deals, Marketing Diamonds

Kenewendo, Botswana’s minster of minerals and energy, discusses closing the deal with De Beers and the work that was missed along the way.

The Golconda Blue
AuctionsApr 15, 2025
23-Carat ‘Golconda Blue’ Heads to Auction

The historic fancy vivid blue diamond set to headline Christie’s Geneva sale next month could sell for up to $50 million.

Bulgari Eden the Garden of Wonders ad
FinancialsApr 15, 2025
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Slip 2 Percent

LVMH CFO Cécile Cabanis also discussed the effects of tariffs so far.

gia-topimage 0325.jpg
Brought to you by
A Brilliant Future Is Here

Get online education from GIA experts.

Kalpesh Jhaveri
SourcingApr 15, 2025
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2025 Board

The organization has reelected Kalpesh Jhaveri as president.

Weekly QuizApr 11, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Two Movado Connect 2.0 watches
FinancialsApr 14, 2025
Movado to Restate Years of Financials Due to ‘Misconduct’ in Dubai

An investigation found that the former managing director of Movado’s Dubai branch overstated and prematurely recorded sales.

Sauer Balance Earrings in Ma Campaign
CollectionsApr 14, 2025
Sauer Embraces Emptiness Through ‘Ma’ Collection

The collection pays tribute to the Japanese philosophy of Ma, studying balance, stillness, and the interplay between presence and absence.

bench jeweler 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They Deserve

Bench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.

Mari Lous Fine Jewelry
IndependentsApr 14, 2025
Illinois Jeweler Closing After 45 Years

Mari Lou’s Fine Jewelry in Orland Park, a suburb of Chicago, is closing its doors.

GIA logo
GradingApr 14, 2025
GIA Expands Overseas Services as Tariffs Kick In

GIA’s labs in Dubai and Hong Kong are now accepting larger diamonds in light of the “logistical challenges” presented by the new tariffs.

Van Cleef & Arpels Pearl and Diamond Earrings Similar to Princess Grace’s Wedding Earrings
AuctionsApr 11, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Replica of Princess Grace’s Wedding Earrings

These earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels, featuring the same design as a pair worn by Princess Grace, are up for auction at Woolley & Wallis.

My Next Question webinar graphic
Recorded WebinarsApr 11, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Saving Time With AI

Two experts share how artificial intelligence tools can help retailers run a more efficient business.

Kentaro Nishimura
SourcingApr 11, 2025
Mikimoto Names New President, CEO for U.S. Division

Kentaro Nishimura, who has been with the pearl company since 1997, has been promoted to president and CEO of Mikimoto America.

America Telling Time: 150 Years of Bulova
WatchesApr 11, 2025
Bulova Documentary Now on Amazon Prime

“America Telling Time: 150 Years of Bulova” explores the storied history of the American watchmaker.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesApr 10, 2025
Trump Presses Pause on Higher Tariffs for 90 Days

An across-the-board tariff of 10 percent remains in place for all U.S. trading partners, except China.

Brigette and Laura Pheloung with Tania and Anita Sarin
MajorsApr 10, 2025
Brilliant Earth Taps Influencers, Their Moms for Mother’s Day Campaign

Brigette Pheloung and Tania Sarin, and their mothers, star in the campaign wearing medallions they co-designed.

Pary LeVian
MajorsApr 10, 2025
Pary LeVian, Matriarch of the LeVian Family, Dies at 96

LeVian is remembered for her unwavering commitment to her family, community, and helping others.

Hamptons Jewelry Show
Events & AwardsApr 10, 2025
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Debut This Summer

The retail show is open to the public and will run July 24-27.

Stock image of shipping containers
EditorsApr 09, 2025
Tariffs: What We Know Right Now

Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff answers questions about how the new taxes levied on countries like India and China will impact the industry.

Tiffany & Co. Iguatemi São Paulo Flagship Exterior
MajorsApr 09, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Opens Flagship in Brazil

The new store in the upscale Iguatemi São Paulo mall is the storied brand’s first flagship in Brazil.

Chaumet Art Deco ruby and diamond bracelet
AuctionsApr 09, 2025
Bonhams to Offer Selection of Chaumet Jewels

The pieces span from the Art Deco period to the 1970s and will go up for auction at the Paris Jewels sale later this month.

Tyla in Pandora jewelry campaign
MajorsApr 09, 2025
Pandora Names Tyla as Its New Brand Ambassador

The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, who is set to perform at Coachella this month, also debuted a curated selection from the brand.

Rolex Land-Dweller Platinum Watch
WatchesApr 08, 2025
Here Are the New Rolex Watches for 2025

The introductions include the Land-Dweller, Rolex’s first new model since 2012, as well as several new dials for its classic timepieces.

David Webb necklace
MajorsApr 08, 2025
David Webb Has a New Owner

The storied American jeweler also has named a new CEO.

Willis Cowlishaw
MajorsApr 08, 2025
Willis Cowlishaw, Zale Executive and Mentor to Many, Dies at 98

Cowlishaw earned a degree in horology after serving in World War II, working at one of the first Zales stores in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The Kat Florence Lumina
AuctionsApr 07, 2025
182-Carat Paraíba-Type Tourmaline Heading to Auction in Hong Kong

Bonhams will offer the “Kat Florence Lumina” at its May 22 jewelry auction.

F.P. Journe Chronomètre Bleau Byblos Watch
AuctionsApr 07, 2025
Sotheby’s ‘Area_51’ Watch Auction Totals $1.6M

The 51 unique watches from Sotheby’s three-day sale and immersive exhibition all found buyers, with the top lot selling for $229,955.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy