CrimeJul 08, 2021
2 Suspects Wanted for Grab-and-Run Thefts Across 4 States CrimeJul 28, 2021
2 Charged in Series of Luxury Watch Robberies in NY Metro Area
The men allegedly stole, or attempted to steal, watches worth hundreds of thousands of dollars off victims’ wrists.
New York—Two men have been charged in connection with multiple luxury watch robberies and attempted robberies throughout the New York metro area.
According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York, Victor Rivera, 30, and 40-year-old Johan Araujo allegedly committed 11 armed robberies and attempted robberies of jewelers and owners of luxury watches in New York, New Jersey, and Long Island.
Starting around October 2019 and continuing through November 2020, a recently unsealed indictment alleges the two men, as well as “others known and unknown,” robbed or tried to rob victims of luxury watches worth up to hundreds of thousands of dollars each.
Targeted watch brands included Richard Mille, Rolex, Audemars Piguet, and Patek Philippe.
The attorney’s office declined to comment when asked if there were more suspects involved in the robberies, stating only that the investigation is ongoing.
Rivera used a gun in several of the robberies, the attorney’s office said, and in one incident, a victim was shot but survived.
A full list of the 11 robberies and attempted robberies Rivera and Araujo are charged in can be seen in the statement from the office.
Back in March, the Jewelers’ Security Alliance issued a warning about a spate of high-end watch robberies in the New York area, as well as in Los Angeles.
Related stories will be right here …
According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York, Victor Rivera, 30, and 40-year-old Johan Araujo allegedly committed 11 armed robberies and attempted robberies of jewelers and owners of luxury watches in New York, New Jersey, and Long Island.
Starting around October 2019 and continuing through November 2020, a recently unsealed indictment alleges the two men, as well as “others known and unknown,” robbed or tried to rob victims of luxury watches worth up to hundreds of thousands of dollars each.
Targeted watch brands included Richard Mille, Rolex, Audemars Piguet, and Patek Philippe.
The attorney’s office declined to comment when asked if there were more suspects involved in the robberies, stating only that the investigation is ongoing.
Rivera used a gun in several of the robberies, the attorney’s office said, and in one incident, a victim was shot but survived.
A full list of the 11 robberies and attempted robberies Rivera and Araujo are charged in can be seen in the statement from the office.
Back in March, the Jewelers’ Security Alliance issued a warning about a spate of high-end watch robberies in the New York area, as well as in Los Angeles.
Araujo was arrested on July 23, while Rivera was previously charged in an indictment in November 2020 and is currently in custody.
Both have been charged with conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery, attempted robbery, attempted extortion, interstate transportation of stolen property, money laundering, and firearms offenses.
Their charges carry a range of maximum penalties, from 10 years to life in prison.
Each man entered a plea of not guilty on Monday, according to the court docket.
Another pre-trial conference is scheduled for Oct. 8.
More on Crime
The Latest
FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.
MajorsMar 10, 2026
Saks Global to Close 15 More StoresThe retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.
TrendsMar 10, 2026
Messika Names Julianne Moore as AmbassadorThe award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New CollectionThe “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.
Weekly QuizMar 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2026
Diamond-Studded Painting Shines at RJO Foundation AuctionThe unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.
TrendsMar 09, 2026
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Bulgari’s Latest AmbassadorBulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
Events & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnersAwards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.
AuctionsMar 09, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Lead White-Glove SaleThe top jewelry lot of the late model’s estate sale, hosted by John Moran Auctioneers, was an Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier necklace.
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 YearsMoses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price PressuresIncreased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial BeautyThe earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.
MajorsMar 06, 2026
Pomellato’s 2026 IWD Campaign Spotlights Economic Abuse“The Price of Freedom” campaign video for International Women’s Day confronts the quiet violence of financial control.
Policies & IssuesMar 05, 2026
Tariffs to Increase to 15% This Week, Treasury Secretary Says Also, a federal judge has ordered that companies that paid tariffs implemented under the IEEPA are entitled to refunds.
CollectionsMar 05, 2026
Common Era Honors ‘Difficult Women’ in CollectionThe ever-growing collection, which just expanded with the addition of Olga of Kyiv, features cameos of 12 women from history.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and WhyWe asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2026
AGS Announces Conclave 2026 Speaker LineupThe annual event will be held in Orlando, Florida, from Sept. 14-17.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Caitríona Balfe Fronts Only Natural Diamonds CoverThe “Outlander” star modeled for the digital cover of the magazine’s spring issue, which features a story on her relationship with jewelry.
MajorsMar 05, 2026
Registration Opens for CIBJO Centenary CongressThis year’s annual congress, which will mark the confederation’s 100th anniversary, will take place this fall in Italy.
MajorsMar 04, 2026
Michael M Opens First StoreBeverly Hills was chosen as the location for the brand’s first store, designed as a “private residence for modern monarchs.”
Policies & IssuesMar 04, 2026
Luxury Brands Temporarily Shutter Middle East StoresKering, Apple, and other retailers have reportedly temporarily closed stores in the Middle East region in light of the recent conflicts.
EditorsMar 04, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills StoreBeth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”
Events & AwardsMar 04, 2026
JIS Miami Spring Show to Feature New Gifts Pavilion, Pop-Up Trends TalksNearly half of buyers are prioritizing silver and fashion collections this season, organizers said.
TrendsMar 04, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Rides Free In Year of the Horse CampaignThe “Live Now. Polish Later.” campaign features equestrians wearing the brand’s jewels while galloping across the icy plains of Kazakhstan.
MajorsMar 04, 2026
LeachGarner Names New Brand DirectorThe precious metals provider has promoted Jennifer Ashworth to the role.
Events & AwardsMar 03, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on March 13.
