Twist in case of Sydney Hilton Hotel jeweller Michel Germani trends now
A co-accused and key witness in the alleged staged $2.8million robbery of a high-end jewellery store will not give evidence, a court has been told, as the Sydney businessman accused of setting up the fraudulent heist of his own shop was again denied bail.
Germani Jewellery owner Michel Germani has been charged with a string of offences over what police allege was the planned robbery of his own store inside the Hilton Hotel in Sydney's CBD early last year.
The Crown prosecution told the NSW Supreme Court on Tuesday that in early 2023 Mr Germani was in financial trouble, which provided his motivation for the alleged offence.
The Crown alleges he conspired with his co-accused, Giulia Penna - who has been charged with several offences, including aggravated robbery and remains before the courts - to recruit the two fake robbers.
Police were called to Mr Germani's store on January 19 last year and found him and another staff member bound by their hands and legs using cable ties.
CCTV showed the two alleged fake robbers enter the store, under the guise of viewing a piece of jewellery, before demanding staff empty the contents of several safes into a bag.
The Crown prosecution told the NSW Supreme Court on Tuesday that in early 2023 Mr Germani was in financial trouble, which provided his motivation for the alleged offence. Mr Germani is pictured with his wife Coco
Mr Germani later made an insurance claim for 164 items with a wholesale value of $2.8million and a retail value of $7.5million.
Mr Germani allegedly staged the robbery in order to defraud his insurer, the court was told.
He was charged with aggravated robbery and depriving a person of liberty, attempting to dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception, publishing false misleading
