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A Sydney jeweller who is accused of orchestrating the robbery of his own store will remain in custody after a judge stated that he had a ‘strong’ motive to commit the crime.
Michel Germani is accused of staging a robbery at his Sydney CBD store in January 2022, when an employee was allegedly tied to a chair and threatened.
The 66-year-old owner of Germani Jewellery, who has designed pieces for high-profile figures such as Princess Diana and Elizabeth Taylor, was arrested by NSW Police in May.
Germani has been charged with robbery, participating in a criminal group, contributing to criminal activity and making false statements.
Authorities are yet to recover more than 160 items, valued at $2.8 million, that the jeweller reported to insurers as stolen.
According to recent media reports, Justice Stephen Rothman noted the crown case was predominantly circumstantial; however, he also described it as ‘very strong’.
“Motive in and of itself will not prove guilt. Nevertheless, in this instance, the motive is strong,” he said.
An additional four people have been charged alongside Germani for their alleged roles in staging the crime.
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