CrimeJan 12, 2023
Thieves Steal $2M in Jewelry in Another Brooklyn RobberyCrimeFeb 06, 2023
Queens Jeweler Convicted of Laundering Stolen Luxury Watches
A jury found Stanislav Yakubov guilty of money laundering and making false statements to federal law enforcement agents.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of New York is asking anyone who knows the whereabouts of the stolen watches pictured to contact them. Jeweler Stanislav Yakubov has been convicted of laundering the stolen goods.
New York—It’s the end of the road for a jeweler accused of laundering stolen luxury watches.
A jury found Stanislav “Steve” Yakubov, owner of a jewelry store in the Jamaica Colosseum Mall in Queens, New York, guilty on one count of money laundering and two counts of making false statements to federal law enforcement agents, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams announced Feb. 1.
U.S. District Judge Edgardo Ramos presided over the eight-day trial. Ramos will sentence 42-year-old Yakubov on June 1.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Yakubov agreed to purchase stolen luxury watches valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars. Some of the watches were stolen from jewelers in Yakubov’s community, and some in violent armed robberies.
“Yakubov’s actions fueled a year-long robbery spree that targeted nearly a dozen victims, and his conviction sends a message to the community that the purchase and laundering of stolen property will be vigorously investigated and prosecuted,” said U.S. Attorney Damian Williams.
There are 10 robberies and attempted robberies to which Yakubov is linked.
The robberies took place in 2019 and 2020, according to evidence presented at trial and the trial’s superseding indictment.
On Oct. 3, 2019, a Long Island City, New York, jeweler was robbed of a Richard Mille watch worth more than $150,000.
On Oct. 25, 2019, a Jamaica, New York, jeweler was robbed of a Rolex worth more than $118,000.
On Dec. 10, 2019, a Brooklyn, New York, jeweler was robbed of a Patek Philippe worth more than $160,000, as well as a diamond necklace valued at over $77,000.
On Oct. 25, 2019, a Jamaica, New York, jeweler was robbed of a Rolex worth more than $118,000.
On Dec. 10, 2019, a Brooklyn, New York, jeweler was robbed of a Patek Philippe worth more than $160,000, as well as a diamond necklace valued at over $77,000.
On Jan. 14, 2020, a Rego Park, New York, jeweler was robbed of a Richard Mille watch worth more than $500,000.
On Feb. 16, 2020, a Jamaica Estates, New York, jeweler was robbed of an Audemars Piguet watch worth over $28,000. On. Feb. 20, 2020, an individual in Long Island City was robbed of a watch valued at over $125,00.
On Feb. 16, 2020, a Jamaica Estates, New York, jeweler was robbed of an Audemars Piguet watch worth over $28,000. On. Feb. 20, 2020, an individual in Long Island City was robbed of a watch valued at over $125,00.
Things cooled off during the earliest pandemic lockdowns, when jewelry stores were closed, but resumed in June 2020.
On June 11, 2020, a Hoboken, New Jersey, jeweler was robbed of a Richard Mille timepiece valued at more than $81,000. On July 6, 2020, another jeweler in Hoboken was robbed of a Richard Mille watch worth more than $180,000.
On July 20, 2020, there was an attempted robbery of a Richard Mille watch worth more than $180,000 from a jeweler in Queens.
Finally, on Aug. 2, 2020 a food critic and social media influencer was robbed of a Richard Mille watch worth more than $250,000 in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.
In all of these successful robberies, additional items were stolen, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
As for the robbers themselves, one of the men, Victor Rivera, pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery between October 2019 and November 2020. Rivera used guns to commit several of the robberies and in one, shot a victim who survived.
He was sentenced to more than 19 years in prison.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of New York is asking anyone with knowledge of the whereabouts of the stolen watches to contact them at 1-866-874-8900.
In addition to Yakubov’s money laundering conviction, he was also convicted of two counts of making false statements to federal law enforcement agents.
The former carries a maximum 20-year sentence and the latter a five-year maximum sentence each.
More on Crime
The Latest
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
Weekly QuizDec 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock WatchThe classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
AGA Announces 2026 Tucson Speaker LineupThe association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
CBG Announces Speaker Lineup for 2026 Miami Event The January show will include a workshop for jewelry retailers on implementing AI to strengthen their businesses.
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement RingFellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.
Policies & IssuesDec 03, 2025
Costco Joins Growing Wave of Retailers Suing for Tariff Refunds The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
SurveysDec 03, 2025
A Record 202.9M Shoppers Turned Out Thanksgiving WeekendBlack Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.
AuctionsDec 03, 2025
Fabergé’s 'The Winter Egg' Achieves Record $30MThe historic egg, crafted for Russia's ruling family prior to the revolution, was the star of Christie’s recent auction of works by Fabergé.
FinancialsDec 02, 2025
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Up Amid Continued Focus on Lower Price PointsThe retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.
CollectionsDec 02, 2025
Briony Raymond Introduces First FragranceThe eau de parfum is held in a fluted glass bottle that mirrors the decor of the brand’s atelier, and its cap is a nod to its “Sloan” ring.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Petra Diamonds Elevates Interim CEOs to Permanent StatusVivek Gadodia and Juan Kemp, who’ve been serving as interim co-CEOs since February, will continue to lead the diamond mining company.
MajorsDec 02, 2025
Lee Krombholz Takes Over as Chair of MJSA Education FoundationIn addition, a slate of new officers and trustees were appointed to the board.
IndependentsDec 02, 2025
RJO Welcomes Its 1,200th Retail MemberWitt’s Jewelry in Wayne, Nebraska, is the organization’s new milestone member.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Brendan Laurs Honored With 2025 Bonanno AwardLaurs is the editor-in-chief of Gem-A’s The Journal of Gemmology and an expert on the formation of colored gemstone deposits.
AuctionsDec 01, 2025
Christie’s Presents ‘Splendor & Style’ CollectionThe single-owner collection includes one of the largest offerings of Verdura jewels ever to appear at auction, said Christie’s.
IndependentsDec 01, 2025
Lustig Jewelers’ New Owner Is a Fellow Chicago JewelerMichael Helfer has taken the reins, bringing together two historic Chicago jewelry names.
MajorsDec 01, 2025
PGI Debuts Platinum-Filled Holiday Gift GuideThe guide features all-new platinum designs for the holiday season by brands like Harwell Godfrey, Ritani, and Suna.
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury WatchesDuring its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.
