Two individuals were indicted on Wednesday for running a Manhattan cosmetics store that also allegedly functioned as a fencing operation, housing over $1 million in stolen goods in storage, according to the Manhattan District Attorney's Office.
Bibi Rehana Khan, 54; Aaron Khan, 40; and Rehana's Cosmetics Inc., were indicted on one count each of criminal possession of stolen property in the first degree, criminal possession of stolen property in the second degree and criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree.
In January, search warrants were executed at Rehana's Cosmetics, a perfume and cosmetics shop located at 870 6th Avenue in Manhattan, along with two of the shop's storage units at 1234 Broadway. "Cosmetics, beauty supplies, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, electronic grooming devices, clothing, designer handbags, backpacks, toys, kitchenware and household appliances, Lego sets, coffee machines and vacuums," and other allegedly stolen goods valued at more than $1 million were recovered.
"The amount of stolen property seized filled 450 medium cardboard boxes," the DA's Office said. "$212,000 worth of the stolen property was from Macy's alone. The rest of the stolen items were from CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, Duane Reade, Ulta Beauty, Victoria's Secret, Bath & Body Works, and the NHL Store."
The DA's Office said it has been conducting "proactive fencing investigations" in an effort to combat organized retail thefts. Fences re-sell stolen and shoplifted goods.
According to court documents and statements, Rehana's Cosmetics "was a well-known destination to bring stolen goods."
"Retail theft is a scourge that impacts our local businesses and jeopardizes the safety of employees and customers alike. We must use every tool in our toolbox to address the root causes of retail theft, and a critical piece of that is upstream, proactive investigations into those who stand to profit. In addition to disrupting fencing networks, we will continue to target the small number of recidivists who are driving a significant amount of retail theft and ensure appropriate accountability," District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a statement.
--with reporting by TMX
