Nassau police arrest accused jewelry thief wanted across the world
There is an active Interpol Red Notice and active arrest warrant for Yaorong Wan in the Republic of Korea for a $332,0000 theft of jewelry.
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Nassau County police arrested a Queens man who was wanted across the globe for allegedly stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of jewelry.
According to detectives, 49-year-old Yaorong Wan entered the London Jewlers at the Americana Manhasset, distracted a salesperson and used a "sleight of hand" trick to remove a Chopard Watch valued at over $17,000 before exiting the store. The incident happened on April 19 and prompted the Nassau County District Attorney's Office to issue a search warrant.
The search warrant was executed on Friday by Nassau County detectives, the NYPD Major Case Squad and the U.S. Marshalls Fugitive Task Force. The stolen Chopard Watch was recovered inside the defendant's home, along with proceeds from thefts in other jurisdictions.
Wan was placed under arrested on Saturday by Nassau County detectives.
There is also an active Interpol Red Notice and active arrest warrant for Wan in the Republic of Korea for a $332,0000 theft of jewelry that happened in Seoul on Sept. 30, 2018.
Wan entered the United States illegally on Dec. 29, 2023 in San Diego and was arrested. He was released after pleading asylum.
Wan is being charged with one count of grand larceny and was arraigned on Sunday.
Nassau Police Chief of Detectives Christopher Ferro says coordination with their other law enforcement partners helped them solve the case. He said Wan’s unique hand trick is what made them realize he wasn’t like the average jewelry thief.
"Most of the jewelry or jewelry type – watches and high-end jewelry, diamonds – are taken by force or taken just by grabbing and running out of the store,” said Ferro. “This was unique. It was very professional. They knew they were dealing with someone who was a professional at it."
Nassau police believe he may have committed other crimes in Nassau. If you recognize him, you're asked to call the police.
