“The defendants allegedly perpetrated a wide-ranging conspiracy motivated by profit and greed. In addition to allegedly forging and depositing stolen checks, they robbed random victims and put their safety at risk, once again demonstrating the connection between financial fraud and traditional street crime. Protecting the financial security of Manhattanites is a key component of public safety, and this Office will continue to prioritize uncovering and dismantling these pernicious schemes,” said District Attorney Bragg. 

“Michael Collins allegedly used his position as a marketing executive to embezzle nearly $6 million from two of his employers over the course of 8 years. He then allegedly used the stolen money to fund his lavish lifestyle, spending it on executive club memberships, luxury brands, fine dining, and extensive travel,” said District Attorney Bragg. “My office’s Investigation Division will hold accountable those who embezzle money from their employers.”

“Yaorong Wan used sleight-of-hand to pocket $260,000 worth of diamonds from two luxury jewelers,” said District Attorney Bragg. “New York is a global fashion capital, and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to keep mom-and-pop shops and high-end retailers alike safe.” 

“Sean Mescall went to extreme lengths to steal from over one hundred New Yorkers, falsely posing as an attorney providing legal assistance, while he was actually exploiting them,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Those who defraud Manhattanites seeking help will be held accountable. If you are a victim of financial crime, or know about a financial crime that requires investigation, please call our Financial Frauds Bureau at 212-335-8900.” 

“This indictment captures an alleged conspiracy that stretched from a construction company to the check cashing business that generated its $40 million unreported payroll,” said District Attorney Bragg. “NYSIF provides an important service in a city where construction is never-ending, and fraud impacts its ability to make injured workers whole. My Office’s Rackets Bureau followed the money, working with numerous enforcement partners here and in New Jersey, to put an end to this alleged scheme.”