US Jeweler Arrested over Alleged Watch Fraud
July 12, 21
(IDEX Online) - A jewelry store owner accused of defrauding US watch customers and businesses out of millions of dollars has been arrested.
Santiago Mora was apprehended by FBI agents in Miami, Florida. He was reportedly on the run from Katy, Texas, where he ran ALKU Jewels, although he texted a local TV station to say he was "just finalizing finances".
Mora is accused of taking payments from customers for Rolex, Omega and other watches, and diamond jewelry, but failing to deliver the goods.
Court documents seen by local media indicate he owes almost $4m to a business for watches he never delivered.
Many customers have come forward claiming they were duped by Mora, including watch collector Nick Tajian, who says he paid $26,300 up front for two rare Rolex Daytona watches and never received them.
Mora has been indicted for federal crimes over alleged watch fraud. He is also accused of theft and fraud-related crimes.
Pic shows Mora and his store in Katy, Texas.