CrimeApr 19, 2022
Man Found Guilty of Running $20M Retail Theft RingCrimeApr 20, 2022
Queens Jeweler Charged With Money Laundering
Stanislav Yakubov allegedly fenced goods for a crew that committed more than a dozen armed robberies.
New York—A New York City jeweler has been charged with money laundering after allegedly fencing goods for an area robbery crew.
According to court documents, between about October 2019 and November 2020, a violent group committed more than a dozen armed robberies of jewelers and luxury watch owners in the New York City metropolitan area.
The items stolen included a $500,000 Richard Mille watch and a diamond bracelet worth $28,000.
According to the indictment, Stanislav Yakubov, or “Steve,” a jeweler who sells watches and jewelry at a store in the Jamaica Colosseum Mall in Queens, New York, allegedly acted as a fence for the stolen watches.
He has been charged with one count of money laundering.
Officials arrested Victor Rivera in November 2020 for his role in the robberies. He was indicted that month.
According to court documents, Rivera pleaded guilty to committing or attempting to commit robberies of luxury watches earlier this year.
Johan Araujo, 40, has also been charged in connection to the robberies. He was arrested last July and has maintained his plea of not guilty, according to the court docket. His trial is set for Sept. 19.
Court documents state that one of the men has been cooperating with officials to identify what happened and who was involved in the robberies.
Yakubov’s attorney, Oliver Storch, said in a statement to National Jeweler that Yakubov is “devastated and shocked by these false allegations,” especially since he was the victim of an assault and robbery at his jewelry store.
He also said: “The cooperator’s credibility is highly suspect because they claim to have met with Mr. Yakubov in NYC when he was actually out of the country on a documented family vacation. We ask the public to withhold judgment until these allegations are properly addressed and resolved in the appropriate forum.”
In March 2021, the Jewelers’ Security Alliance issued a warning about a spate of high-end watch robberies in New York and Los Angeles, sharing the following safety tips for jewelers:
— Avoid conducting jewelry business in a public place;
— Do not resist in the event of an armed robbery; and
— Be mindful of the special risks involved in wearing expensive watches, and limit that risk accordingly.
Related stories will be right here …
According to court documents, between about October 2019 and November 2020, a violent group committed more than a dozen armed robberies of jewelers and luxury watch owners in the New York City metropolitan area.
The items stolen included a $500,000 Richard Mille watch and a diamond bracelet worth $28,000.
According to the indictment, Stanislav Yakubov, or “Steve,” a jeweler who sells watches and jewelry at a store in the Jamaica Colosseum Mall in Queens, New York, allegedly acted as a fence for the stolen watches.
He has been charged with one count of money laundering.
Officials arrested Victor Rivera in November 2020 for his role in the robberies. He was indicted that month.
According to court documents, Rivera pleaded guilty to committing or attempting to commit robberies of luxury watches earlier this year.
Johan Araujo, 40, has also been charged in connection to the robberies. He was arrested last July and has maintained his plea of not guilty, according to the court docket. His trial is set for Sept. 19.
Court documents state that one of the men has been cooperating with officials to identify what happened and who was involved in the robberies.
Yakubov’s attorney, Oliver Storch, said in a statement to National Jeweler that Yakubov is “devastated and shocked by these false allegations,” especially since he was the victim of an assault and robbery at his jewelry store.
He also said: “The cooperator’s credibility is highly suspect because they claim to have met with Mr. Yakubov in NYC when he was actually out of the country on a documented family vacation. We ask the public to withhold judgment until these allegations are properly addressed and resolved in the appropriate forum.”
In March 2021, the Jewelers’ Security Alliance issued a warning about a spate of high-end watch robberies in New York and Los Angeles, sharing the following safety tips for jewelers:
— Avoid conducting jewelry business in a public place;
— Do not resist in the event of an armed robbery; and
— Be mindful of the special risks involved in wearing expensive watches, and limit that risk accordingly.
More on Crime
The Latest
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers DownsizesRocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80 The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired JewelsThe “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.
Weekly QuizJun 26, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJun 26, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Is Looking for Speakers for 2026 EventThe event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight ContinuesThe Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus PerformersThe designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund RecipientsThe trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for EntriesThe organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local RetailerLori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.
MajorsJun 24, 2025
Tacori, QVC to Launch Exclusive Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry CollectionThe “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.
GradingJun 23, 2025
GIA Names New President and CEO Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.
Recorded WebinarsJun 23, 2025
Watch: Top Trends at Couture, JCK Las Vegas 2025National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.
SourcingJun 23, 2025
Diamond Producers, Organizations to Kick in Money to Promote Natural DiamondsSignatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Celebrate 6 Jewelry DesignersThe winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Gem Awards Now Accepting Nominations for 2026Nominations in the categories of Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation will be accepted through July 30.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Dua Lipa Stays On-Trend With Chunky Engagement RingThe singer’s ring ticks off many bridal trends, with a thick band, half-bezel setting, and solitaire diamond.
TrendsJun 20, 2025
Piece of the Week: Yvonne Léon’s ‘Python Gold’ BraceletThe bracelet references vintage high jewelry and snake symbolism as a playful piece where a python’s head becomes a working belt buckle.
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
Historic ‘Marie-Thérèse Pink’ Diamond Fetches $14M at Christie’sThe 10-carat fancy purple-pink diamond with potential links to Marie Antoinette headlined the white-glove jewelry auction this week.
EditorsJun 18, 2025
Q&A: Caryl Capeci Dives Into Cruise Jewelry ShoppingThe Starboard Cruises SVP discusses who is shopping for jewelry on ships, how much they’re spending, and why brands should get on board.
AuctionsJun 18, 2025
16th-Century ‘Gresham Grasshopper’ Ring Sells for $56KThe historic signet ring exceeded its estimate at Noonans Mayfair’s jewelry auction this week.
CollectionsJun 18, 2025
Kirk Kara Celebrates 135 Years With New JewelsTo mark the milestone, the brand is introducing new non-bridal fine jewelry designs for the first time in two decades.
SourcingJun 18, 2025
Gemfields Sells 36-Carat Rough RubyThe gemstone is the third most valuable ruby to come out of the Montepuez mine, Gemfields said.
