D.A. Bragg Announces Guilty Plea In $438K Theft Of Diamonds, Precious Gems And Jewelry

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the guilty plea of ARSEN CANAJ, 58, for engaging in a scheme to steal approximately $438,000 worth of diamonds, precious gems, and jewelry from 4 individuals by giving them forged checks, as well as bail jumping on his two pending indictments. CANAJ pleaded guilty in New York State Supreme Court to two counts of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree and one count of Bail Jumping in the Second Degree. Under the terms of his plea, CANAJ is expected to be sentenced on November 13, 2026, to a promised term of 2-to-6 years in prison.

"Arsen Canaj went to great lengths to take advantage of business owners by stealing approximately $438,000 worth of diamonds, precious gems, and jewelry with forged checks. He now faces time in state prison for his conduct," said District Attorney Bragg. "Those who defraud New York's businesses will be held accountable. We will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to help Manhattan's businesses thrive."

According to court documents and statements made on the record, and as admitted in the defendant's guilty plea, on July 15, 2018, CANAJ with co-defendant SHLOMO GROSS, who was previously convicted of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, stole a diamond worth approximately $224,000 from an independent gem wholesale purchaser and seller. GROSS, who posed as an intermediary of diamond buyers and sellers, told the seller that he had a buyer who was interested in a five-carat, brilliant-cut diamond. CANAJ then posed as a buyer for the diamond and gave the victim with a forged check in the amount of $224,057 for the 5.06-carat brilliant-cut stone.

On December 13, 2018, CANAJ went to an antique watch store, told the owner that he wanted to purchase a Rolex watch for $25,000, and offered to pay for it with a cashier's check. After accepting the cashier's check, the owner and CANAJ arranged for a pick-up of the Rolex. Shortly after, the owner was informed by her bank that the cashier's check that was deposited into her account was forged.

In May and June of 2020, CANAJ stole approximately $132,000 in jewelry and precious stones from a third victim by giving them three forged checks in exchange for jewelry and precious stones. On May 8, 2021, CANAJ stole $57,163 worth of emeralds from yet another victim by falsely presenting himself as a gem dealer while using a false identity and paying for the emeralds with a forged check.

After two separate indictments were obtained for this conduct, on August 5, 2022, CANAJ failed to appear for scheduled appearances on both indicted cases. Consequently, on August 5, 2022, the Court issued a bench warrant for CANAJ's arrest.

Assistant D.A. Nina Radolinski (Financial Frauds Bureau) is handling the prosecution of this case under the supervision of Assistant D.A.s Kofi Sansculotte (Chief of the Financial Frauds Bureau) and Judy Salwen (Deputy Chief of the Investigation Division) and Executive Assistant D.A. Jodie Kane (Chief of the Investigation Division). Financial Frauds Bureau's Ananya Singh (Investigative Analyst) and Lily Falkowski (Paralegal) and Investigation Bureau's Steven Mariscal (Investigator) and Louis Capolupo (Sergeant) are providing invaluable assistance with the case. Assistant D.A.s Matthew Jacinto and Jonathan Borle (Financial Frauds Bureau), Assistant D.A. Zachary Weintraub (Rackets Bureau), Discovery Analyst Rebecca Seunarine (Financial Frauds Bureau), Investigative Analyst Sofia Albi (Housing and Tenant Protection Unit), and former Investigator Keven Polanco also provided assistance.

D.A. Bragg thanked the NYPD, particularly retired Detective Jose Criollo of Midtown North Detective Squad and Police Officer Jason Velez of the Grand Larceny Division.

Defendant Information:

ARSEN CANAJ

Westchester County

Convicted:

• Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a class C felony, two counts
• Bail Jumping in the Second Degree, a class E felony, one count

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