Man Accused Of Jewelry Heists In Manhasset, Seoul: Nassau Police

MANHASSET, NY — A man accused of international jewelry thefts, including one in Manhasset, has been arrested, Nassau County police reported.

The Major Case Bureau was looking for a burglar who entered London Jewelers at 2046 Northern Boulevard on April 19, distracted the salesperson and used a “sleight of hand” trick to take a Chopard Watch valued at over $17,000.

Yaorong Wan, 49, was arrested Saturday by Nassau detectives. A search warrant was executed Friday at his residence at 135-11 40th Road, Flushing by Nassau police, the NYPD Major Case Squad and the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, police said.

The stolen Chopard watch was recovered along with proceeds from thefts in other jurisdictions, Nassau police said.

He is wanted for similar jewelry thefts by deception throughout the United States, police said. There is an active Interpol Red Notice and an active arrest warrant for him in the Republic of Korea.

He is the suspect in a $332,000 theft of jewelry that took place in Seoul, Korea on Sept. 30, 2018, police said.

Police alleged Wan entered the United States illegally on Dec. 29, 2023 at the border in San Diego, California and was arrested. He was released after pleading asylum; his next scheduled federal court date is on Jan. 30, 2025.

In Nassau County, Wan is being charged with one count of Grand Larceny 3rd degree. He was arraigned at First District Court on Sunday and was sent to jail pending court dates.