Michael Germani, owner of the luxury jewellery store in Sydney's CBD, has been accused of staging a robbery as part of an insurance fraud. Prosecutors claim he pre-arranged a break-in without his workers' knowledge.

Council of the City of Sydney

The owner of a luxury jewelry store is alleged to have staged a robbery at his own premises in Sydney’s central business district. The store, known for its high-end brand worn by royals and celebrities and for sponsoring the Sale of the Century game show, was the site of the incident involving 67-year-old Michelle Germain.

According to court proceedings, two men visited the store to discuss purchasing $110,000 in diamonds. During the visit, Germain and a female staff member were tied up with cable ties and robbed. The Crown Prosecutor stated that the staff member was an innocent victim who was so frightened during the incident that she wet herself.

This event occurred three years after a previous smash-and-grab incident at the same George Street location. The Crown alleges that the recent robbery was staged and pre-arranged by Germain, with the assistance of others, including Andrea Cusimano and Manir Helu. Cusimano is alleged to have helped plan the event, while Helu faces charges of aggravated robbery.

Germain subsequently filed an insurance claim, reporting $2.8 million worth of goods as stolen. The insurance company denied this claim. The prosecution also highlighted that the store’s lease in the Hilton Hotel foyer was nearing expiration, with the hotel’s general manager sending a termination notice due to unpaid rent totaling $184,000 in the six months prior.

The three accused men are currently on trial before the Downing Centre District Court. The trial is ongoing.



Jewellery store-owner accused of staging robbery

The owner of a high-end jewelry store is alleged to have staged a robbery on his own store. The luxury brand had been worn by royals and celebrities, and sponsored the Sale of the Century game show. From Michelle Germain. Look at the pearls down there, Russell, they're absolutely beautiful. In January 2023, two men attended the store in Sydney's CBD to discuss the purchase of $110,000 in diamonds. 67-year-old Michelle Germain was tied up with cable ties and robbed, alongside his female staff member, who the Crown Prosecutor says was an innocent victim, and so frightened she wet herself. The incident came three years after another smash and grab at the same George Street store. The Crown told the court the January incident was not as it seems. The robbery was in fact a sham. It was a staged robbery, it was an inside job pre-arranged by Michelle Germain with the help of a number of other people. Andrea Cusimano is alleged to have been involved in the planning, while Manir Helu is charged with aggravated robbery. The three men are on trial before the Downing Centre District Court. Germain attempted insurance fraud, claiming $2,800,000 in goods was stolen. The insurance company denied the claim. The Crown's case is that the store's lease in the Hilton Hotel foyer was due to expire. The hotel's general manager sent an email to terminate it nine days before the robbery due to rent owing. In the six months prior, the amount had reached $184,000. The trial continues. Sarah Navin, 410 News First.

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