Two Men Indicted in Luxury Goods Theft Operation Tied to U.S. Burglaries

DOJ Charges Nezhinskiy and Villar in Luxury Goods Trafficking Scheme

In a significant development in the fight against organized crime, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York announced on Tuesday that Dimitriy Nezhinskiy, 43, of North Bergen, New Jersey, and Juan Villar, 48, of Queens, New York, have been charged with conspiracy to receive stolen property. The charges stem from their alleged involvement in a scheme to purchase luxury goods that were stolen and trafficked across state lines.

The Allegations

According to court documents, Nezhinskiy and Villar are accused of conspiring with others to receive and purchase stolen luxury items, including jewelry, watches, handbags, and other high-end goods. The alleged activities took place between 2020 and 2025, with the stolen items reportedly taken from locations outside New York and then transported into the state. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has characterized Nezhinskiy and Villar as "fences" for burglary crews originating from South America, who traveled across the United States committing burglaries, particularly in affluent neighborhoods and targeting jewelry vendors.

Connection to Notorious Burglary Rings

The investigation has revealed that Nezhinskiy and Villar are linked to multiple thefts nationwide. Notably, they are associated with Bryan Leandro Herrera Maldonado, a burglar implicated in at least 16 residential burglaries across the country between 2019 and 2020. This connection underscores the extensive network of crime that the defendants are allegedly part of, highlighting the challenges law enforcement faces in combating organized theft.

Evidence Against the Defendants

The DOJ has presented compelling evidence against Nezhinskiy and Villar. Phone records and video surveillance have reportedly connected Nezhinskiy to at least two members of a four-man burglary crew involved in a high-profile burglary of an athlete’s residence in Ohio on December 9, 2024. This incident adds a layer of notoriety to the case, as it involves not just luxury goods but also the violation of personal space and security of high-profile individuals.

Undercover Operations

The investigation into Nezhinskiy and Villar intensified when an undercover detective conducted a series of controlled sales of purportedly stolen high-end handbags and luxury accessories. Between October 2022 and January 2024, the detective engaged in seven transactions with the defendants at their business located in Manhattan’s Diamond District. During these exchanges, the detective explicitly informed Nezhinskiy and Villar that the items were stolen, and they allegedly paid cash in return. This direct evidence of their willingness to engage in the trafficking of stolen goods is a critical component of the prosecution’s case.

Potential Consequences

If convicted of receiving stolen goods, Nezhinskiy and Villar could face significant penalties, including up to 10 years in prison. The seriousness of these charges reflects the DOJ’s commitment to tackling organized crime and the trafficking of stolen luxury items, which not only affects individual victims but also undermines the integrity of legitimate businesses.

Presumption of Innocence

It is important to note that the charges outlined in the indictment are merely allegations. Under the law, Nezhinskiy and Villar are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The legal process will determine the validity of the evidence presented and the defendants’ culpability in the alleged crimes.

Conclusion

The case against Dimitriy Nezhinskiy and Juan Villar serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against organized crime in the United States. As law enforcement agencies continue to crack down on networks involved in the trafficking of stolen luxury goods, the implications of this case extend beyond the individuals involved, highlighting the broader issues of theft, security, and the impact on communities. The upcoming legal proceedings will be closely watched as they unfold, potentially setting precedents in the fight against such criminal enterprises.