“As alleged, Yaorong Wan stole diamond rings worth approximately $260,000 from two businesses earlier this year. Manhattan is the retail capital of the country, and we need our business community to thrive,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Our Office will continue to hold those accountable who put Manhattan’s businesses at risk. I thank the NYPD for their continuous partnership.” 

“Diamonds are forever, but this alleged scheme was short-lived. As alleged, Manashe Sezanayev took advantage of diamond merchants by stealing their diamonds and replacing them with fake stones,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Merchants are expected to conduct business in a fair and honest manner. Those who take advantage of consumers will be held accountable.”

“We allege Destiny Anderson and Anthony Johnson brazenly stole checks and credit cards from the mail for their own personal gain. This type of conduct can be extremely harmful to the many Manhattanites who depend on reliable mail service for their paychecks or other important financial documents,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Public employees who take advantage of their jobs at the expense of others will be held accountable. I thank the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service for their partnership in this investigation.” 

“Nelson Counne used an expertly crafted persona and elaborate web of lies to convince women to hand over their savings,” said District Attorney Bragg. “At least five women were conned into pouring money into his supposed investment opportunities – while unknowingly helping him to repay previous victims and lure in new ones. While the scale of this fraud is remarkable, romance scams are all too common. We urge you to call us at 212-335-8900 if you or someone you know has been a victim.” 

“This alleged scheme preyed on unsuspecting New Yorkers who were just walking outside going about their daily lives. We are continuing to investigate the full extent and scope of this ring in coordination with our law enforcement partners, and I encourage anyone who may have been a victim to please contact our office at 212-335-9040,” said District Attorney Bragg.