Every time a robbery happens it calls to mind an action film, with the good guys, the bad guys and of course – a lot of money or a sexy piece of diamond jewelry. These days, Toronto police – having arrested four suspects in a $1 million jewelry theft who are currently awaiting trial - are on the hunt for the stash itself, which includes a 5.1-carat diamond ring valued at $200,000.he saga, worthy of a Hollywood movie, began in early January when, police say, suspect David Compagnoni contacted the owner of a jewelry store on Queen Street West, asking to purchase a “three or four carat” diamond engagement ring.
A few days later, according to police, the store's owner advised Mr. Compagnoni that he had located a 5.16-carat diamond ring and arrangements were made for Mr. Compagnoni to stop by the store to see the ring.
On January 9, Mr. Compagnoni, along with fellow suspects Marco Cipollone and Andrew Gordon, visited the store to pick up the ring. Police say that the men intended to pay using counterfeit bank drafts – a plan that went south when the jeweler told them he would have to check with the bank to make sure the drafts were genuine before handing over the ring.
Once the plan went south, police say, Mr. Gordon pulled a gun and threw the store owner to the ground. The noise alerted another business owner in the same building, who came over to investigate, only to find himself bound and gagged with duct tape along with the jeweler. The suspects absconded, taking not only the ring, but $600,000 worth of loose diamonds, earrings, and other jewelry.
Toronto Crime Stoppers Detective Darlene Ross told reporters that the robbery was a "somewhat well-planned criminal offense." Police arrested the three robbery suspects shortly after the incident, along with a fourth man, Antonio Bandiera, suspected who allegedly faked the bank drafts they intended to use to "pay" for the diamond ring. But law enforcement has yet to recover the jewelry, and have appealed to the public for help.
Det. Ross said that the diamond ring had a very unique cut, color, and clarity – not to mention size, and was not the kind of jewelry even professionals would see on a daily basis. "We're appealing to all the honest reputable people in the jewelry business… you will know if you've seen this," she urged.
Toronto Police Detective Rob Lemaitre of the holdup squad said he was concerned that the ring's diamond could have been cut up and sold off as smaller stones, but because the diamond was unique police believe it is more likely that the ring has remained intact. According to Lemaitre, evidence suggests that additional people may have been involved in the heist.
Mr. Compagnoni, 41; Mr. Cipollone, 34; and Mr. Gordon, 34; and Bandiera, 35; all face a barrage of charges, including conspiracy to commit an indictable offense; robbery while armed with a firearm; forcible confinement and fraud over $5,000. A court date has not yet been scheduled.
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