Celebrity Jeweler Accused of Stealing $5M in Luxury Goods
The jeweler who sold Cardi B a $3 million Rolex faces accusations of participating in a scheme to defraud an elderly luxury dealer.
A celebrity jeweler known for selling high-value items to stars, including Cardi B's recent $3 million Rolex purchase, is now facing accusations of involvement in a scheme that allegedly defrauded an elderly woman of approximately $5 million in luxury goods. Eric Mavani, who operates as Eric the Jeweler online, recently sold the rapper an exclusive "Barbie" Rolex Daytona.
Mavani, who boasts a large following on Instagram with photos alongside celebrities like Tom Brady, Drake, and Kim Kardashian, is named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed by Miami-based luxury bag seller Debra Kent. The suit alleges that Mavani, along with three other men, took advantage of Kent while she was recovering from a severe illness and in a medically induced coma. According to the complaint filed in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court, the defendants manipulated Kent into relinquishing over 50 luxury handbags, jewelry, and apparel.
The primary defendant in the lawsuit is identified as RD William Whittington, a celebrity car broker and star of the television series "Million Dollar Wheels." Whittington, a long-time customer of Kent, allegedly requested around $5 million worth of high-end merchandise during her recovery. When it came time for payment, Whittington is accused of claiming that a wire transfer was in progress.
Mavani is specifically accused of receiving approximately 23 Hermès bags, valued at around $1.5 million, from Whittington because Whittington owed him money. The lawsuit claims that the amounts Mavani allegedly paid Whittington were a fraction of the inventory's value. It is further alleged that Mavani was aware of the scheme and has since resold some of the stolen purses, with the complaint stating he was "entirely pleased with himself for participating in the fleecing of a vulnerable, sick senior citizen."
Mavani has reportedly denied wrongdoing, describing himself as a "bonafide" buyer when confronted by lawyers. However, the lawsuit asserts that he knew more than he admitted. The suit seeks $13.8 million in damages. Attorneys for Whittington, Mavani, and Kent did not immediately respond to requests for comment.