Rehana’s Cosmetics, a Manhattan cosmetics store located on 6th Avenue, was allegedly operating as a fencing operation, according to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. The store was said to be a popular destination for stolen goods obtained by shoplifters. In January, investigators raided the store and two of its storage units and discovered over $1 million worth of stolen goods including beauty supplies, medicine, clothing, toys, and more, filling 450 cardboard boxes.
Among the stolen goods were items worth over $200,000 taken from Macy’s, as well as products taken from popular stores such as CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, Duane Reade, Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, the NHL store, and Ultra Beauty. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has charged two individuals, Bibi Rehana Khan and Aaron Khan, along with Rehana’s Cosmetics, with three counts of criminal possession of stolen property. Authorities are cracking down on the issue of retail theft, emphasizing the importance of investigating those who profit from this illegal activity.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg stated that retail theft has become a significant problem that impacts local businesses and poses risks to employees and customers. He stressed the need to address the root causes of retail theft through proactive investigations targeting those who benefit from it. In addition to disrupting fencing networks, efforts will focus on holding recidivists accountable for their role in retail theft, ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to address the problem. The DA’s office is committed to addressing this issue and preventing future incidents of theft.
The raid on Rehana’s Cosmetics and its storage units revealed the extent of the fencing operation, with a wide variety of stolen goods found in the possession of the store. The discovery of more than $1 million worth of stolen items highlights the scale of the operation and the impact it had on the businesses from which the goods were stolen. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing retail theft and prosecuting those involved in these illegal activities to protect businesses and consumers.
The two individuals charged in connection with the fencing operation, Bibi Rehana Khan and Aaron Khan, face criminal charges related to the possession of stolen property. The charges reflect the seriousness of the allegations and the need to address the issue of retail theft in Manhattan. By holding those responsible for such operations accountable, authorities hope to deter others from engaging in similar criminal activities and to protect businesses and consumers from the negative impact of retail theft.
Moving forward, authorities will continue to investigate and prosecute individuals involved in fencing operations and retail theft to prevent future incidents from occurring. By targeting those who profit from the sale of stolen goods, law enforcement aims to disrupt criminal networks and hold individuals accountable for their illegal actions. The crackdown on retail theft in Manhattan reflects the commitment of law enforcement agencies to address this issue and protect businesses, employees, and customers from the negative consequences of criminal activities within the retail sector.
