UPDATE: A Manhattan pawn shop owner has just pleaded guilty in a shocking case involving a cross-country burglary ring that targeted wealthy homeowners, including Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. Dimitriy Nezhinskiy admitted in Brooklyn federal court to buying and reselling stolen luxury goods, including high-end watches and jewelry, which were taken while victims were away.
This urgent case has drawn significant attention as it highlights a troubling trend of professional burglary, with Nezhinskiy facing up to five years in prison and over $2.5 million in restitution and forfeiture. Sentencing details are yet to be announced, but the implications of his actions are already reverberating through the sports community and beyond.
While Nezhinskiy claimed he was unaware that the items were stolen until after his arrest, he acknowledged his involvement in a scheme that authorities are calling a “black-market pipeline.” New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated, “This defendant ran a black-market pipeline, buying stolen luxury goods from organized theft crews that targeted homes and businesses.”
The investigation revealed that Nezhinskiy co-managed a pawn shop in Manhattan’s prestigious Diamond District alongside Juan Villar, who also pleaded guilty to similar charges. Their business reportedly served as a hub for selling stolen items obtained from international burglary rings, specifically targeting elite athletes’ homes.
Investigators noted that these crews, primarily composed of foreign nationals from South America, executed thefts while athletes were away for road games. High-profile victims included NFL stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs, as well as basketball stars like Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers.
A multi-state probe led to the arrest of six individuals, including three men indicted by a federal grand jury in Cincinnati this past February in connection with the string of burglaries. Although Nezhinskiy and Villar were not formally charged with specific burglaries, phone data linked Nezhinskiy to the break-in at Burrow’s home during a crucial game last December.
Authorities recovered a staggering array of suspected stolen property, including luxury handbags, fine wine, sports collectibles, jewelry, artwork, and burglary tools. The haul was discovered not only at the pawn shop but also at storage units tied to Nezhinskiy in New Jersey.
This alarming case underscores the vulnerability of high-profile individuals to organized crime. As more details unfold, the attention of law enforcement and the public remains fixed on the implications of Nezhinskiy’s actions and the ongoing fight against such criminal enterprises.
The investigation continues, and authorities are urging community vigilance in the face of these sophisticated burglary operations. As the legal proceedings advance, all eyes will be on the court for future developments.
