Two individuals have been charged with conspiracy to receive stolen property in connection with an alleged fencing operation based in Manhattan’s Diamond District.
According to an unsealed indictment, Dimitriy Nezhinskiy and Juan Villar are accused of purchasing and reselling luxury goods stolen from residences and businesses across multiple states.
The indictment was announced by John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, along with officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the New York City Police Department (NYPD), and the Nassau County Police Department (NCPD). Nezhinskiy was arrested in New Jersey and Villar in Manhattan, with both scheduled for arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Lara K. Eshkenazi.
Connection to South American Theft Groups
Prosecutors allege that Nezhinskiy and Villar helped burglary groups, including South American Theft Groups (SATGs), by purchasing stolen goods for resale. These groups, composed largely of foreign nationals, are known for targeting high-value residential and commercial properties.
“As alleged, the defendants created an illicit market and fueled demand for burglaries by South American Theft Groups and other crews around the country by purchasing stolen watches, jewelry and other luxury items, and then re-selling them in their New York City store,” stated United States Attorney Durham. “My Office will continue to pursue organized groups who engage, enable, or encourage the pillaging of residential homes and businesses that has a corrosive effect on the sense of security in our communities.”
“For almost five years, Dimitriy Nezhinskiy and Juan Villar allegedly served as unlawful brokers to perpetuate the sale of stolen luxury items by purchasing them from burglary crews. The defendants’ alleged actions incentivized highly organized South American Theft Groups to continue their meticulous looting scheme against a myriad of affluent residences and businesses across the country. With our law enforcement partners, the FBI will continue to dismantle any criminal activity curated to capitalize on victims’ losses and establish an economic demand for ill-obtained merchandise within our city,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge James E. Dennehy.
“We will not tolerate crime of any kind in New York, whether it be street crime, retail theft, or these organized operations that target residential homes to steal and resell luxury goods,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “Today’s indictment is the result of our strong work with our law enforcement partners and our commitment to cracking down on these crime rings that threaten our communities.”
“We want to thank our partners in federal law enforcement for this collaborative effort to bring this criminal to justice,” stated NCPD Commissioner Patrick J. Ryder. “The men and women of the Nassau County Police Department, particularly the dedicated Detectives of the Major Case Squad, work tirelessly to investigate crimes and arrest those who prey upon our citizens.”
Undercover Investigation and Evidence Seized
The indictment details a law enforcement investigation that included multiple undercover operations. Between October 2022 and January 2024, an undercover detective allegedly conducted seven controlled sales of purported stolen luxury goods to Nezhinskiy and Villar at their Diamond District pawn shop. During these transactions, the defendants allegedly paid cash for items they were told had been stolen.
In addition to these controlled sales, law enforcement executed search warrants at the defendants’ business location on 47th Street and at storage units in New Jersey belonging to Nezhinskiy. Authorities seized watches, jewelry, handbags, cash, and tools commonly used in burglaries.
If convicted, Nezhinskiy and Villar each face up to 10 years in prison. The case is being prosecuted by the Criminal Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Long Island Division and the General Crimes Section.
