In a major crackdown on organized crime, the FBI and NYPD raided a business in New York’s Diamond District on Tuesday. Authorities believe the business was part of an international fencing operation, dealing with stolen luxury goods from a South American theft group. The investigation is linked to burglaries targeting the homes of wealthy individuals, including star athletes from the NFL and NBA.
The Raid and Arrests
The raid took place on West 47th Street near Sixth Avenue, where dozens of FBI agents and NYPD detectives swarmed a second-floor business. Inside, they seized high-end watches, jewelry, large amounts of cash, and marijuana—believed to be connected to a string of burglaries across the country.
Two men were arrested in connection with the case:
- Dimitriy Nezhinskiy, arrested in New Jersey later in the day
- Juan Villar, arrested during the raid in Manhattan
Both men face multiple charges related to purchasing stolen goods that crossed state lines between 2020 and 2025.
The Fencing Operation Explained
A fencing operation involves buying and selling stolen goods. In this case, Nezhinskiy and Villar allegedly bought luxury items such as watches, jewelry, and handbags from burglary crews, then resold them through their New York City store. According to U.S. Attorney John Durham, this illicit business fueled demand for more burglaries, especially by organized theft groups from South America.
Links to High-Profile Burglaries
Investigators are examining connections between the suspects and recent high-profile burglaries. Phone records and surveillance footage show ties between Nezhinskiy, Villar, and members of a burglary crew involved in the December 9, 2024, break-in at the home of Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow in Ohio. Nezhinskiy had reportedly communicated with the crew just days before the burglary.
Additionally, the investigation has expanded to burglaries at the homes of:
- Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs)
- Travis Kelce (Kansas City Chiefs)
- Luka Dončić (NBA star)
- Bobby Portis (NBA player)
- Mike Conley Jr. (NBA player)
The NFL and NBA had even issued security alerts to their players in November, warning them about a surge in home break-ins while they were away on team duties.
Undercover Operations Reveal Evidence
Between October 2022 and January 2024, an undercover detective sold supposed stolen luxury items—like designer handbags and accessories—to Nezhinskiy and Villar. Despite being informed that the items were stolen, both men paid cash without hesitation.
Further evidence was uncovered during a search of Nezhinskiy’s storage unit, which contained:
- Stolen handbags and luxury items
- Sports memorabilia and artwork
- Wine collections
- Power tools commonly used in burglaries
Ongoing Investigation and Potential Charges
The case remains under active investigation. Authorities have hinted at more arrests, particularly in Florida, where additional suspects connected to the South American theft group are being pursued.
If convicted, Nezhinskiy and Villar could face up to 10 years in prison for their roles in this multi-state criminal operation.
This raid highlights the growing problem of international theft rings targeting affluent communities across the U.S. The arrests of Nezhinskiy and Villar mark significant progress in dismantling a network that encouraged organized crime by creating a market for stolen luxury goods. As the investigation continues, more arrests are expected, especially in connection with high-profile burglaries involving celebrities and professional athletes.
