Crime

4 Charged in Jewelry Store Heists Totaling $10M+

CrimeNov 01, 2018

4 Charged in Jewelry Store Heists Totaling $10M+

The men allegedly were part of a crew that pulled off more than a dozen burglaries over an 11-year span, including the brazen New Year’s Eve 2016 job in New York.

New York—Four members of an international burglary crew who allegedly stole more than $10 million in jewels from stores in the United States and Europe over an 11-year period have been arrested.

Damir Pejcinovic, 44, 36-year-old Gzimi Bojkovic (aka Jimmy), 35-year-old Adrian Fiseku and Elvis Cirikovic, 35, were taken into custody Oct. 24 and charged in an indictment unsealed the same day.


A photo of three of the four men charged provided by the Jewelers Security Alliance
The indictment alleges that the four men were part of a crew dubbed the “Pejcinovic Enterprise”—named after ringleader Damir (aka Damian or “CoCo”)—who stole from, or attempted to steal from, a total of 16 jewelry stores and banks in the United States and Europe between 2006 and 2017.

Members of the Pejcinovic gang allegedly staked out jewelry stores before they burglarized them, observing employees’ patterns and determining where they could break in.

They disabled security systems, jammed cell phone and cut phone lines while using power tools and sledgehammers to bash into businesses and destroy safes, later fencing what they stole and dividing the proceeds.

In a report aired Tuesday on “Good Morning America,” ABC News likened the crew to a “real-life Ocean’s 11.”

WATCH: GMA Reports on the “Real-Life” Ocean’s 11 Burglary Gang
{youtube} W5R8gWcDfa4{/youtube}
The 15-page indictment includes a long list of the Pejcinovic Enterprise’s alleged crimes, with the highest profile among them perhaps being the New Year’s Eve 2016 robbery in Manhattan’s Diamond District.

That jewelry theft made national headlines because the suspects waited until the stroke of midnight to break into the New York office of KGK Jewelry, which holdings include high-end brand Gregg Ruth. KGK’s office is located less than a mile from where millions of revelers—and thousands of cops—were ringing in the new year in Times Square.


This is a security camera still from the Dec. 31, 2016 robbery in Manhattan’s Diamond District that has been linked to an international burglary crew dubbed the “Pejcinovic Enterprise.” (Photo provided by Jewelers Security Alliance)
Other notable crimes connected to the crew include a March 2008 burglary in Manhattan that netted them $2.5 million in merchandise, a February 2011 heist in which $3 million was snatched from Broadway Gold Center in downtown Los Angeles—in that jewelry theft, crew members allegedly tunneled into the store—and a $2 million job that also took place in the City of Angels just last March.

According
to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, Pejcinovic, Bojkovic, Fiseku and Cirikovic (aka “Gorilla”) each face one count of racketeering conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of conspiracy to commit interstate transport of stolen property and bank burglary, which carries a maximum sentence of five years.

Pejcinovic, Bojkovic and Fiseku also are charged with one count of interstate transportation of stolen property, for which they could spend up to 10 years behind bars.

These four suspects are being tried in New York federal court, as the case involves the transportation of stolen property across state lines.

Officials noted that the investigation into the burglary ring is ongoing.
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

NBA Larry O'Brien Trophy
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship Trophy

The New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.

Lionheart Cactus Pendant
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White Metals

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.

Oscar Heyman ruby ring
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby Prices

Its app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.

DCA-NJ-article-1872x1052-060826.jpg
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce Solutions

DCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.

Alicia Arnold
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design Director

The manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.

Weekly QuizJun 11, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Boulle family in hard hats
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas Flagship

The revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.

G Shock Coca Cola
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired Watch

The special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.

PG-05-SHOT-2-LUCIDA.033 1.png
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in Vegas

As gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.

Buddha Mama earrings
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are Trending

Here are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.

16th century flower cluster hogback diamond ring
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in London

Found by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.

Chouette Designs Margaux Ring
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of Love

Our Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.

CBG logo
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix Show

The group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.

A selection of animal jewelry
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas

From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.

Grandview Klein diamonds
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat Rough

The big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.

Marie-Laure Cérède
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation Studio

Marie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.

Smiling Rocks booth at JCK Las Vegas 2026
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas

At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.

Ilana McCabe
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good Board

Ilana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.

Azure blue diamond and 5.04-carat fancy vivid blue diamond
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’s

It was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.

Saks Fifth Avenue New York City storefront
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for Reorganization

The approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.

Sylvie Levine wearing engagement ring
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s Ring

The bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.

De Beers Group CEO Al Cook
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply

The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.

Russ Whitehouse
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse Retires

The industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.

Pride in the Industry LGBTQ+ Voices in Jewelry panel
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry Voices

The panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.

Marie Lichtenberg Smash Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, Literally

Inspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.

Katherine Whitacre
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for Southeast

The company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.

Collage of new Stuller items
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine Jewelry

The jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.

De Beers Group’s Sally Morrison
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer

Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”

×

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