2 arrested in NYC Diamond District raid connected to Joe Burrow burglary: report

Two men arrested after a New York City Diamond District raid are accused of working with South American gangs to traffic luxury goods stolen from professional athletes, according federal authorities.

The case ties the suspects to multiple high-profile burglaries, including one at the home of an unnamed professional athlete in Ohio. According to reports, this unnamed athlete is NFL quarterback Joe Borrow.

What we know:

Federal prosecutors allege that Dimitriy Nezhinskiy, 43, of North Bergen, N.J., and Juan Villar, 48, of Queens conspired to purchase and resell stolen luxury goods. The men allegedly served as "fences" for organized crime groups, including South American Theft Groups (SATGs), by creating a lucrative market for stolen jewelry, watches, and designer handbags.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, the FBI, NYPD, and Nassau County Police Department arrested Nezhinskiy in New Jersey and Villar in Manhattan early Tuesday. Both men are set to be arraigned Wednesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lara K. Eshkenazi.

Suspects tied to robbery of NFL quarterback

Investigators say the case is linked to a December 2024 burglary at the Ohio residence of an unnamed professional athlete. According to the New York Post, sources believe the target was Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow.

Authorities allege that Nezhinskiy was in contact with members of the four-man burglary crew connected to the break-in less than a week before the crime. Surveillance footage and phone records reportedly place him in communication with the suspects.

Beyond the Ohio burglary, the defendants allegedly purchased stolen luxury goods from numerous home invasions, including at least 16 burglaries linked to Bryan Leandro Herrera Maldonado between 2019 and 2020.

The backstory:

Authorities conducted a long-term undercover investigation, during which a detective sold purportedly stolen goods to Nezhinskiy and Villar in seven separate transactions from October 2022 to January 2024. Despite being told the items were stolen, the suspects allegedly paid cash for them.

Law enforcement raided the suspects’ Diamond District pawn shop on 47th Street, seizing:

  • Dozens of high-end watches and jewelry
  • Large amounts of cash
  • Marijuana

A search of Nezhinskiy’s New Jersey storage units uncovered:

  • Designer handbags and artwork
  • Power tools used for safe-cracking
  • Sports memorabilia

What they're saying:

  • U.S. Attorney John J. Durham: "These defendants allegedly created an illicit market that incentivized organized crime groups to continue their nationwide burglary spree. Our office will aggressively pursue those who enable the victimization of businesses and homeowners."
  • FBI Assistant Director James E. Dennehy: "With our law enforcement partners, the FBI will continue to target those who capitalize on victims’ losses and establish an economic demand for stolen merchandise."

What's next:

Both Nezhinskiy and Villar face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

Crime and Public SafetyMidtown