A famous jewelry dealer who defrauds himself
A prominent Sydney jeweler has been charged with orchestrating an armed robbery of his jewellery store in what NSW police say was an elaborate attempt to defraud his insurance company with more than $2.8 million.
Michel Elias Germani, whose company German Jewellery designed celebrities such as Princess Diana, was arrested on Monday.
Police say the 65-year-old initially told officers he was threatened by two men disguised as agents at his shop in Sydney's Queen Victoria building in January.
According to police, one of the men reportedly threatened the employee with a knife, while the other demanded access to the jewelry safe.
He said the two thieves handcuffed Germaini and the employee and then fled the store with a large and expensive amount of jewellery.
Last month, police arrested two people, Chanel Tofhono, 37, and Mounir Helou, 57, for alleged theft.
Police arrested Germaini after suspecting the theft was a scam.
According to Sky News, Germani was charged with theft and spreading false or misleading information, and did not apply for bail and was ordered to appear again in court.