High-profile jeweller who once sponsored TV show Sale of the Century accused of staging a robbery on his own store for insurance money
- Jewellery store owner accused of planning robbery
- Michel Elisa Germani was arrested on Monday
- He is the owner of Germani Jewellery in Sydney
A high-profile jeweller has been accused of staging an armed robbery on his own store in an attempt to defraud an insurance company of $2.8million.
Michel Elisa Germani, 65, allegedly orchestrated the hit on his luxury store Germani Jewellery located on George Street in Sydney‘s QVB, on January 19.
Police allege he and a female employee, 47, were held at knife point by two men who had scheduled an appointment with the CEO and founder.
On Monday, Germani was arrested and charged over the incident with police to allege he staged the robbery in an attempt to defraud an insurance company.
The 65-year-old was charged with four offences, including one count of attempting to dishonestly obtain a financial advantage by deception and one count of publish false or misleading material to obtain property.
Police will allege that following the alleged robbery, Germani attempted to lodge a claim with Barrenjoey Insurance to the tune of $2,821,348.
Michel Elisa Germani, 65, allegedly orchestrated the ‘carefully planned’ robbery at his luxury store Germani Jewellery in the QVB in George Street, on January 19
Police allege Germani and a female employee, 47, were held at knife point by two males who had organised an appointment with the jeweller (pictured is the luxury store)
The jeweller faced Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday morning and made no application for bail. He is scheduled to return to court on May 11.
Detectives investigating the incident last month arrested Shanel Tofaeono, 37, at a home in Rydalmere, in Sydney’s west.
He was charged with aggravated robbery and depriving a person of liberty, participating in a criminal group, contribute to criminal activity, and possessing or using a prohibited weapon without permit.
Tofaeono was refused bail and is scheduled to return to a Sydney court on June 8.
A second man has been charged with aggravated robbery and depriving a person of liberty, and participating in a criminal group and contributing to criminal activity.
A NSW Police image relating to the arrest of Michel Germani after he was accused of planning an armed robbery on his Sydney store
Police will allege that following the alleged robbery, Germani attempted to lodge a claim with Barrenjoey Insurance to the tune of $2,821,348 (pictured, an advertisement for the store)
The 57-year-old appeared at Parramatta Local Court last month where he was also refused bail. He is due to return to court on May 10.
Germani Jewellery has been an established brand in Sydney since 1985 and is credited with supplying jewels for the Arabian Royal Family.
The jeweller has also designed and manufactured pieces for Princess Diana, Elizabeth Taylor and the Duke & Duchess of Wellington, according to its website.
In Australia, the luxury brand became a household name after becoming the exclusive sponsor of TV show Sale of the Century from 1988 to 2001.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Germani Jewellery for comment.
