Luxist http://www.luxist.com Luxist http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Luxist http://www.luxist.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Celebrity Chef's Lamborghini Stolen in Daring Heist at San Francisco Dealership]]>http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/09/celebrity-chefs-lamborghini-stolen-in-daring-heist-at-san-franc/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/09/celebrity-chefs-lamborghini-stolen-in-daring-heist-at-san-franc/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/09/celebrity-chefs-lamborghini-stolen-in-daring-heist-at-san-franc/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Celebrity Chef's Lamborghini Stolen in Daring Heist at San Francisco Dealership

Cars get stolen all the time, but a few elements about this story make it stand out. First of all, this was no ordinary car. Secondly, it didn't belong to just anyone. And thirdly, it wasn't stolen with a simple coat hanger and a pair of pliers.

The story coming in from San Francisco reports the theft of a yellow 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo belonging to celebrity chef Guy Fieri from a local exotic car dealership. According to the report, police figure the thief climbed up onto the roof of the dealership, rappelled down on a rope, busted open the garage door and drove off with the Lamborghini.

[Source: San Francisco Chronicle]

LuxistCelebrity Chef's Lamborghini Stolen in Daring Heist at San Francisco Dealership originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car theftcelebrity chefgrand theft autoguy fierilamborghinilamborghini gallardosan franciscotheftWed, 09 Mar 2011 14:03:00 EST<![CDATA[$25 Million In Harry Winston Jewels Recovered In Paris Drain]]>http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/09/25-million-in-harry-winston-jewels-recovered-in-paris-drain/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/09/25-million-in-harry-winston-jewels-recovered-in-paris-drain/http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/09/25-million-in-harry-winston-jewels-recovered-in-paris-drain/#commentsFiled under: ,

harry winstonYou never know where stolen jewels might turn up but this latest find seems like a scene straight from a movie. BBC News reported that some of the jewels stolen from the Harry Winston boutique in Paris in 2008 have been recovered. In December 2008 four armed men entered the store around closing time and walked off with more than $100 million in jewelry and diamonds. No one was injured. This theft did have one quirky detail, at least two of the thieves wore wigs and women's clothing and addressed some of the store's staff by name.

French police have found some of the jewelry, around $25 million worth, hidden in a drain in a Paris suburb. A total of 19 rings and three sets of earrings were found inside a plastic container which was set into a cement mold at a house in Seine-Saint-Denis likely secreted away by the crafty crooks. The home belonged to one of the people being charged in the robbery. In the last few years police have interviewed at least 25 people in connection with the robbery and nine people were charged and jailed in 2009.

Luxist$25 Million In Harry Winston Jewels Recovered In Paris Drain originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harry winstonjewel theftjewel thievesjewelryparisWed, 09 Mar 2011 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ponzi Schemer's Luxury Cars Go Up For Auction]]>http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/28/ponzi-schemers-luxury-cars-go-up-for-auction/http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/28/ponzi-schemers-luxury-cars-go-up-for-auction/http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/28/ponzi-schemers-luxury-cars-go-up-for-auction/#commentsFiled under: ,

lamborghini manheim auctionsAs our sibling site Autoblog mentioned earlier, the luxury cars of Ponzi schemer Byron Keith Brown are headed to auction in Maryland. Brown was convicted and given 15 years in prison for a scam that cost people a total of $17 million. The Baltimore Sun reported that the cars are being sold on March 1 as part of an auction run for the U.S. Treasury Department. Proceeds will be added to the U.S. Treasury's Asset Forfeiture Fund and net proceeds derived from the assets will be available as restitution for the victims of Brown's crimes.

Brown ran a company called "In God We Trust Financial Services" and several others under different names in Virginia and Maryland pushing an investment scheme that gave the appearance that people were sending him up to $1 million. Brown spent his money of a variety of flashy cars including a 2007 Lamborghini Murcielago, a 2005 Rolls Royce Phantom, a 2004 Mercedes Benz Maybach 57, a 2006 Aston Martin and many more. A total of 17 cars are being sold, the complete list is at Mahheim Auctions. The auction takes place at the Manheim Baltimore-Washington location, 7120 Dorsey Run Road, Elkridge, MD, 21075.

Make sure you don't get caught in a Ponzi scheme, check out the tips below on how to avoid shady investments.

LuxistPonzi Schemer's Luxury Cars Go Up For Auction originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>byron keith brownponzi schemeponzi schemertreasury auctionMon, 28 Feb 2011 19:01:00 EST<![CDATA[International Jewel Thief Doris Payne Sentenced To Five Years]]>http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/11/international-jewel-thief-doris-payne-sentenced-to-five-years/http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/11/international-jewel-thief-doris-payne-sentenced-to-five-years/http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/11/international-jewel-thief-doris-payne-sentenced-to-five-years/#commentsFiled under:

doris payneIt's the end of the line for international jewel thief Doris Payne. The charming octogenarian, who was known using her beauty and style to beguile jewelry store employees into accidentally handing over the goods, has been sentenced to five years in prison for her latest caper, walking in to a San Diego Macy's in January 2010 and walking out with a diamond ring worth nearly $9,000 that she did not pay for. Payne has admitted that she has stolen countless pieces of jewelry over more than six decades but in an interview with NBC San Diego she called the sentence unfair. She suffers from a lung disease and is concerned that she may go into respiratory failure.

Payne told NBC San Diego that she had wanted Queen Latifah to play her in the movie of her life. Halle Berry was attached to the project at one point although it's not clear if that movie is going forward. Payne's attorney is filing an appeal and Payne is hoping she can avoid prison for now and get medical attention. She expressed remorse and said she wants to get her book deal done and start a battered women's shelter.

LuxistInternational Jewel Thief Doris Payne Sentenced To Five Years originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 04:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doris paynejewel thiefFri, 11 Feb 2011 04:01:00 EST<![CDATA[International Jewel Thief Doris Payne Awaits Sentencing]]>http://www.luxist.com/2011/01/14/international-jewel-thief-doris-payne-awaits-sentencing/http://www.luxist.com/2011/01/14/international-jewel-thief-doris-payne-awaits-sentencing/http://www.luxist.com/2011/01/14/international-jewel-thief-doris-payne-awaits-sentencing/#commentsFiled under:

doris payneInternational jewel thief Doris Payne proves you are never to old to have sticky fingers. Payne, who is 80, was convicted of walking in to a San Diego Macy's in January 2010 and walking out with a diamond ring worth nearly $9,000 that she did not pay for.

For decades, Payne has relied of her beauty and charm to beguile jewelry store employees into displaying treasures while she simply pockets the jewels when the clerk isn't looking. Payne has served time in six states and has a long Interpol record but ABC News reports that Payne's lawyer says that this conviction is a case of mistaken identity. The lawyer claims that Payne's notoriety has made made her an easy target. Halle Berry was attached to a project to play Payne in a big screen caper titled "Who Is Doris Payne?"

For her part, Payne seems to enjoy the attention, confirming that some of the stories about her, including legendary tales of thefts in Paris and Monte Carlo are true. She also can't seem to stay away from temptation, the LA Times says that a surveillance tape of her at a Scottsdale, Arizona Neiman Marcus store examining the jewelry counter may have played a role in keeping Payne from being released on bail while she awaits sentencing. Sentencing is scheduled for February 9.

LuxistInternational Jewel Thief Doris Payne Awaits Sentencing originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doris paynejewel theftFri, 14 Jan 2011 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Scrushy Jewels Raise Nearly $1.5 Million For Defrauded Shareholders]]>http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/10/scrushy-jewels-raise-nearly-1-5-million-for-defrauded-sharehold/http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/10/scrushy-jewels-raise-nearly-1-5-million-for-defrauded-sharehold/http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/10/scrushy-jewels-raise-nearly-1-5-million-for-defrauded-sharehold/#commentsFiled under: , ,

scrushy diamondRuth Madoff's diamond ring sold last month for $550,000 and this month it's Leslie Scrushy who has lost her ring. Scrushy is the spouse of former HealthSouth CEO Richard Scrushy, who was found liable in civil court for an accounting fraud and ordered to pay $3.2 billion. Past sales of his cars, yachts and other belongings have raised money to help satisfy that debt. Mrs. Scrushy's jewelry raised nearly $1.5 million at auction on Thursday at Sotheby's with proceeds going to former HealthSouth shareholders.

Levy's Fine Jewelry has been handling the collection and contracted with Sotheby's to auction the nine best pieces including this 20-carat diamond ring valued at up to $700,000 which sold for $752,500. The sale also featured a platinum and diamond bracelet with a total of nearly 49 carats in diamonds valued at $150,000 to $200,000 which sold for $176,500. The sale was held to quiet allegations that Mrs. Scrushy had attempted to hide some of her husband's assets.

LuxistScrushy Jewels Raise Nearly $1.5 Million For Defrauded Shareholders originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 10 Dec 2010 04:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diamondsHealthSouth Corpjewelrylinda scrushyricahrd scrushyFri, 10 Dec 2010 04:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Tony Accurso's Touch Yacht Up For Sale To Satisfy Tax Debt]]>http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/10/tony-accursos-touch-yacht-up-for-sale-to-satisfy-tax-debt/http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/10/tony-accursos-touch-yacht-up-for-sale-to-satisfy-tax-debt/http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/10/tony-accursos-touch-yacht-up-for-sale-to-satisfy-tax-debt/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Tony Accurso, a Quebec millionaire whose construction companies are facing federal tax evasion charges, is selling off his luxury yacht. Accurso owns a 120-foot yacht known as the Touch. The Toronto Sun reports that an Accurso company, Louisbourg Construction, pleaded guilty Tuesday to improperly claiming and deducting $1.7 million in expenses on the yacht as business expenses. Louisbourg and construction company Simard-Beaudry also pleaded guilty to two counts of tax evasion agreeing to pay $4.1 million in taxes plus an additional $4.1 million in fines by next summer. All that necessitated the sale of the Touch, an aluminum-hulled super yacht built in 2004 and refitted in 2008.

The yacht accommodates up to eight guests in a master cabin and three double cabins and has room for a crew of seven. It also has an on-board exterior hot tub, leather chairs on its top deck, wireless Internet, a private dining room, and several bars and lounges. The interior was designed by Quebec designer Danielle Vignault with gleaming teak wood finishes. It comes with a variety of toys including kayaks, water skiing equipment, wake boards, and three towable and inflatable inner tubes. The yacht has a cruising speed of 11 knots. It is for sale through Fraser Yachts for $7.9 million.

Gallery: Touch Yacht

LuxistTony Accurso's Touch Yacht Up For Sale To Satisfy Tax Debt originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 10 Dec 2010 02:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>megayachtsuperyachttony accursotouchyacht for saleFri, 10 Dec 2010 02:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Pete Sampras Loses The Majority Of His Trophies]]>http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/08/pete-sampras-loses-the-majority-of-his-trophies/http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/08/pete-sampras-loses-the-majority-of-his-trophies/http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/08/pete-sampras-loses-the-majority-of-his-trophies/#commentsFiled under: ,

pete samprasLegendary tennis star Pete Sampras has been the victim of a storage space robbery. Sampras, who amassed medals, trophies, plaques, rings and other pieces from winning 64 tournaments and being a finalist in many others, put much of his memorabilia in a storage center in West Los Angeles. Three weeks ago he found out that dozens of boxes, many containing these trophies, had been stolen. The LA Times quotes Sampras as saying that he has 13 of his 14 Grand Slam trophies but that his first Australian Open trophy is gone. Sampras also lost magazines with himself on the cover, related news stories and some other pieces that he treasured including a signed piano bench from Elton John and a signed guitar from Carlos Santana.

Sampras had rented two units to store furniture and boxes while he and his wife, actress Bridgette Wilson, and their sons Christian and Ryan moved from Beverly Hills to Thousand Oaks and a home in the hills surrounding Sherwood Country Club (this home was our estate of the day back in March when it was listed at $25 million). They later moved to Brentwood. Sampras was stunned to find out that his things had gone missing. He said that the police have no leads and Sampras has gone public in the hope that someone who knows something might come forward. Given the unique nature of these pieces, it's not likely that they would surface on the public market.

LuxistPete Sampras Loses The Majority Of His Trophies originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pete samprasstorage centerstorage facilitiestheftWed, 08 Dec 2010 20:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Bernie Ecclestone Capitalizes on Mugging with Hublot Ad]]>http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/08/bernie-ecclestone-capitalizes-on-mugging-with-hublot-ad/http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/08/bernie-ecclestone-capitalizes-on-mugging-with-hublot-ad/http://www.luxist.com/2010/12/08/bernie-ecclestone-capitalizes-on-mugging-with-hublot-ad/#commentsFiled under: ,

Late last month Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone and his girlfriend were robbed outside his offices in London. The thieves reportedly punched and kicked Ecclestone and made off with some $300,000 in jewelry - including a special-edition Hublot wristwatch - leaving the octogenarian bruised and battered.

Never one to shy away from controversy or turn away an opportunity, however, Ecclestone has appeared in an ad for Swiss watchmaker Hublot bringing further attention to the incident.

The ad for the official Formula One timekeeper features a photo of Ecclestone's bruised face, accompanied by the quote "See what people will do for a Hublot". It is set to run this week in both the Financial Times and the International Herald-Tribune.

LuxistBernie Ecclestone Capitalizes on Mugging with Hublot Ad originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bernie ecclestoneecclestonef1formula 1formula onehublotWed, 08 Dec 2010 18:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Sotheby's To Sell Off Scrushy Jewels]]>http://www.luxist.com/2010/11/27/sothebys-to-sell-off-scrushy-jewels/http://www.luxist.com/2010/11/27/sothebys-to-sell-off-scrushy-jewels/http://www.luxist.com/2010/11/27/sothebys-to-sell-off-scrushy-jewels/#commentsFiled under: ,

Last time we heard about former HealthSouth CEO Richard Scrushy he was losing one of his several homes in Alabama. But the Scrushy sell off continues. The Birmingham News reports that Sotheby's will auction off nine pieces of jewelry that once belonged to Leslie Scrushy, Richard Scrushy's wife. The pieces will be sold at Sotheby's New York on December 9, 2010. Richard Scrushy was found liable in civil court for an accounting fraud and ordered to pay $3.2 billion. Past sales of his cars, yachts and other belongings have raised money to help satisfy that debt.

Around 50 pieces of jewelry belonging to Mrs. Scrushy were liquidated as part of the settlement. Levy's Fine Jewelry has been handling the collection and contracted with Sotheby's to auction the nine best pieces including a 20-carat diamond ring valued at up to $700,000. The sale also include a platinum and diamond bracelet with a total of nearly 49 carats in diamonds valued at $150,000 to $200,000; a platinum, diamond and ruby ring made by Oscar Heyman & Brothers with a more than seven-carat marquis cut diamond; and three-carat diamond and pearl earrings made by Oscar Heyman & Brothers valued at $50,000 to $75,000 for the pair.

LuxistSotheby's To Sell Off Scrushy Jewels originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 27 Nov 2010 21:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HealthsouthRichard ScrushysothebysSat, 27 Nov 2010 21:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Authorities Arrest Two More in Madoff Case]]>http://www.luxist.com/2010/11/23/authorities-arrest-two-more-in-madoff-case/http://www.luxist.com/2010/11/23/authorities-arrest-two-more-in-madoff-case/http://www.luxist.com/2010/11/23/authorities-arrest-two-more-in-madoff-case/#commentsFiled under:



Two years now since the collapse of Bernie Madoff's massive Ponzi scheme, the picture of the largest fraud ever perpetrated is becoming clearer all the time. And while Madoff himself insisted that he acted alone, investigators and prosecutors insist that a fraud of such magnitude would have to have required the complicity and support of an entire team. To that end, indictments have been handed to two additional former Madoff employees, who now await prosecution.

The indictments were reportedly handed to Jo Ann "Jodi" Crupi and Annette Bongiorno, both having been arrested by FBI agents and remain in custody pending $5 million in bail to be posted for each. The number of those indicted in the Madoff case has now reached eight as authorities strive to put the pieces back together.

LuxistAuthorities Arrest Two More in Madoff Case originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 21:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Annette Bongiornobernie madofffbifraudJo Ann CrupiJo Ann Jodi CrupiJodi Crupimadoffponziponzi schemeTue, 23 Nov 2010 21:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Wesley Snipes is Going to Jail]]>http://www.luxist.com/2010/11/23/wesley-snipes-is-going-to-jail/http://www.luxist.com/2010/11/23/wesley-snipes-is-going-to-jail/http://www.luxist.com/2010/11/23/wesley-snipes-is-going-to-jail/#commentsFiled under:



Wesley Snipes is to begin a three-year prison sentence shortly after having been convicted of tax evasion in the State of Florida.

The Hollywood actor best known for his action roles was found guilty of failing to file income tax returns for 1999 through 2001, despite having earned millions from his film roles. Five other felony charges were dismissed in the trial back in 2008, but Snipes (pictured above at last year's Venice Film Festival) recently lost an appeal for a retrial.

Since his request for a second trial was turned down by US District Court judge, Snipes is expected to be remanded to an as-yet undisclosed penitentiary outside the state in the near future.

LuxistWesley Snipes is Going to Jail originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>convictconvictioncourtjailprisonsnipestax evasionwesley snipesTue, 23 Nov 2010 20:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Qatar Royal Crashes Lamborghini in London]]>http://www.luxist.com/2010/11/23/qatar-royal-crashes-lamborghini-in-london/http://www.luxist.com/2010/11/23/qatar-royal-crashes-lamborghini-in-london/http://www.luxist.com/2010/11/23/qatar-royal-crashes-lamborghini-in-london/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Qatar Royal Crashes Lamborghini in London
Back in August we told you about the Qatar royals' $2.5 million in customized baby blue supercars which were clamped by the cops in London outside Harrods, which they bought for $2.2 billion last spring. Now a member of Qatar's ruling Al-Thani clan has crashed one of them, the $550,000 Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SuperVeloce (above) in London as well. The car was nearly totaled at Hyde Park Corner after a high-speed chase involving a white BMW M5, which got the worst of it. "The BMW smashed into the central reservation, bounced off and then hit the Lamborghini," an eyewitness told the London Evening Standard. "Both cars were definitely traveling very fast." There were no injuries and no arrests following the incident, which came after most of the Arab playboys had taken their toys home again after a high octane summer. "We thought it was going to quieten down but it's picking up again," solicitor Bruce Beringer, who lives in the posh neighborhood, told the paper. "It's like a second season. We are kept up until 4 am because of the noise of these people revving their engines and racing down the street. These Bugattis and Ferraris make a huge amount of noise."

LuxistQatar Royal Crashes Lamborghini in London originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMWBugatticar crashFerrariHarrodsHyde ParkLamborghiniLondonQatarsupercarUAEUKTue, 23 Nov 2010 07:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Bernie Madoff Yacht Up For Sale]]>http://www.luxist.com/2010/11/18/another-bernie-madoff-yacht-up-for-sale/http://www.luxist.com/2010/11/18/another-bernie-madoff-yacht-up-for-sale/http://www.luxist.com/2010/11/18/another-bernie-madoff-yacht-up-for-sale/#commentsFiled under: ,

Just when I think we've heard the last of Bernie Madoff something else comes up for auction. Classic Driver reported that Wyles Hardy & Co., on behalf of Grant Thornton UK LLP , the joint liquidators of Madoff Securities International, is selling off another of Madoff's "Bull" yachts. This one is a 88-foot Leopard yacht. We saw Madoff's other yachts auctioned off last year but this one was seized in France last year. It was just released from a full out-of-the-water maintenance and has been deemed ready for immediate use.

The yacht has twin MTU M92 engines that have seen less than 300 hours' running time and has a cruising speed of 33 knots. It has six berths include an owner's en-suite stateroom; VIP en-suite cabin; guest en-suite cabin; and three crew berths. The yacht was built in 2007 by Cantiere Navale Arno (Pisa, Italy) to Madoff's specifications and comes with monogrammed towels and bespoke bed covers embroidered with Ruth and Bernie Madoff's initials.

A recent auction of Madoff possessions brought in over $2 million.Even though the government has sold three homes, yachts and other Madoff belongings the total proceeds of approximately $28 million haven't come close to chipping away at the billions Madoff swindled from his investors. Madoff's New York City penthouse was sold to Al Kahn, the CEO of 4Kids Entertainment. That home had been most recently listed at $8.9 million, $1 million off the original price. Madoff's Montauk house sold for $9.41 million around a year ago, more than the $8.75 million for which it was listed. Madoff's Palm Beach home was the last to sell and was most recently listed at $6.5 million. A trio of yachts brought in around $1 million last year.

LuxistAnother Bernie Madoff Yacht Up For Sale originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 23:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bernie madoffbull yachtMadoff auctionmadoff bull yachtmadoff ponzi schememadoff securitiesmadoff yachtMadoffPonziSchemeThu, 18 Nov 2010 23:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Madoff's Possessions Bring In Over $2 Million]]>http://www.luxist.com/2010/11/15/madoffs-possessions-bring-in-over-2-million/http://www.luxist.com/2010/11/15/madoffs-possessions-bring-in-over-2-million/http://www.luxist.com/2010/11/15/madoffs-possessions-bring-in-over-2-million/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ruth Madoff's 10.5 carat diamond ring was the star of an auction held on November 13 at the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers in New York City. The auction held by the U.S. Marshals Service sold off more of the possessions of Ponzi schemer Bernie Madoff. ArtInfo reports that the auction brought in a total of over $2 million led by Mrs. Madoff's 10.54 carat emerald cut diamond set in platinum which sold for $550,000 to a buyer who declined to identify himself. Mrs. Madoff's diamond earrings went for $135,000 to an undisclosed buyer. Bernie Madoff's vintage steel Rolex "Moon Phase" watch sold for $67,500.

A Steinway & Sons grand piano made $42,000 but other auction items were all over the place. A king-sized bed that belonged to the couple went for $2,250 . The bed's buyer, Tally Wiener, a lawyer who helped liquidate Fairfield Sentry, a fund that fed money into Madoff's accounts before going under, has said he will offer the bed to Mrs. Madoff. Oddly enough Madoff's shoes, perhaps an obvious symbol of his profligate spending, seemed to do particularly well. A pair of black velveteen slippers with his initials in gold thread sold for a whopping $6,000 and a pair of shoes from the Manhattan store Belgian Shoes brought $2,900. What's even stranger is that 11 pairs of unused designer boxer shorts and 200 pairs of socks sold for $1,700 to one unidentified man.

Proceeds from the auction will be deposited in the United States Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Fund to compensate the victims of this multi-billion dollar fraud. Even though the government has sold three homes, yachts and other Madoff belongings the total proceeds of approximately $28 million haven't come close to chipping away at the billions Madoff swindled from his investors. Maoff's New York City penthouse was sold to Al Kahn, the CEO of 4Kids Entertainment. That home had been most recently listed at $8.9 million, $1 million off the original price. Madoff's Montauk house sold for $9.41 million around a year ago, more than the $8.75 million for which it was listed. Madoff's Palm Beach home was the last to sell and was most recently listed at $6.5 million. A trio of yachts brought in around $1 million last year.

LuxistMadoff's Possessions Bring In Over $2 Million originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 15 Nov 2010 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bernie madoffBernie Madoff Ponzi Schemeponzi schemesMon, 15 Nov 2010 21:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Formula One Drivers and Staff Ambushed by Gunmen in Brazil]]>http://www.luxist.com/2010/11/15/formula-one-drivers-and-staff-ambushed-by-gunmen-in-brazil/http://www.luxist.com/2010/11/15/formula-one-drivers-and-staff-ambushed-by-gunmen-in-brazil/http://www.luxist.com/2010/11/15/formula-one-drivers-and-staff-ambushed-by-gunmen-in-brazil/#commentsFiled under: ,


Formula One drivers are used to making quick getaways, but found themselves in harm's way last weekend in Brazil. While in Sao Paulo for the Brazilian Grand Prix, the car carrying the defending world champion Jenson Button was attacked by a gang of gunmen. The armored vehicle was driven by a police officer away from the scene of the ambush, delivering Button to safety. The famous McLaren driver praised his driver's abilities, which comes as quite the compliment coming from the world champion.

Button wasn't the only F1 figure attacked during the race weekend, however, as additional reports depicted an attack on a van full of the Sauber team's staff. In this case armed bandits stopped the van at gunpoint and made off with the staff members' bags. Fortunately no one was harmed in this incident either.

Despite the attacks, figures in F1 are not calling for removing the event from next year's calendar, crediting the government with doing all its best to improve socio-economic conditions in Brazil and reducing crime rates, while refusing to blame race organizers for what happens off the track.

LuxistFormula One Drivers and Staff Ambushed by Gunmen in Brazil originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 15 Nov 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brazilbrazilian grand prixf1formula 1formula onegrand prixjenson buttonsao paulosauberMon, 15 Nov 2010 19:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Alleged Swindler Scammed Out of $800,000 by New York City Limo Driver]]>http://www.luxist.com/2010/11/15/alleged-swindler-scammed-out-of-800-000-by-new-york-city-limo-d/http://www.luxist.com/2010/11/15/alleged-swindler-scammed-out-of-800-000-by-new-york-city-limo-d/http://www.luxist.com/2010/11/15/alleged-swindler-scammed-out-of-800-000-by-new-york-city-limo-d/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Tony Chan Chun Chuen is allegedly swindled by New York Limo driver.
A New York City limo driver allegedly stole the credit card information belonging to a Hong Kong-based near billionaire and racked up nearly $800,000 in fraudulent charges, according to court documents filed in a Federal Court in Brooklyn.

Astonishingly, the victim is so wealthy, he wasn't even aware he had been defrauded of hundreds of thousands of dollars until it was brought to his attention by the company that had issued the charge card.

It all started when celebrity feng shui adviser, Chan Chun Chuen, also known as "Tony Chan" (seen above), traveled by private jet in July 2008 arriving at New Jersey's Teterboro Airport before being transported to Manhattan by Queens, N.Y.-based driver, Peter S. Rahhaoui. According to an indictment filed in U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York, Rahhaoui later used Chan's American Express card to "receive payment and other things of value". The fraudulent activity allegedly occurred between August 2008 and November 2009 .

U.S. Secret Service Agent Kwame Davis testified that he had been contacted by a fraud investigator working on behalf of American Express who was investigating a pattern of fraudulent activity for a card issued to Chan Chun Chuen. According to Kwame's testimony, a large number of charges were posted on a monthly basis by A&S Limousine Service, for amounts ranging between $4,300 and $19,242. According to court documents, the total amount of these charges was $794,986.

But in a strange twist of events, the victim's own alleged misdoings are now being used as a defense by Rahhaouhi.

Continue reading Alleged Swindler Scammed Out of $800,000 by New York City Limo Driver

LuxistAlleged Swindler Scammed Out of $800,000 by New York City Limo Driver originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>American ExpressbillionaireCan Chun Chuencourtfeng shuifraudfraud investigationHong Konglegal actionNina WangTony ChanMon, 15 Nov 2010 12:31:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: How NOT to Test Drive a $1.25 Million Bugatti]]>http://www.luxist.com/2010/10/27/video-how-not-to-test-drive-a-1-25-million-bugatti/http://www.luxist.com/2010/10/27/video-how-not-to-test-drive-a-1-25-million-bugatti/http://www.luxist.com/2010/10/27/video-how-not-to-test-drive-a-1-25-million-bugatti/#commentsFiled under: , ,



There's a right and a wrong way to test drive a Bugatti Veyron. The right way: crank it up past 200 mph on the Autobahn with a coked-out supermodel riding shotgun. The wrong way: back it into a Corolla two minutes after taking the wheel. Here we have a demonstration of the wrong way, courtesy of some hapless schmuck in Chicago with good credit but lousy driving skills. It seems the unfortunate fellow was test driving a $1.25 million 2008 black-and-white Veyron 16.4 with a brown leather interior at Chicago's Bentley Gold Coast when he clipped an idling Toyota for no apparent reason while backing out of the dealership. He then proceeded to scrape up the Veyron's front bumper on the pavement while pulling forward to extricate himself. All in all he caused an estimated $30,000 worth of damage, or enough for a couple of brand new Corollas. Adding insult to injury he didn't even buy the Bugatti.

[via JamesList]

LuxistVIDEO: How NOT to Test Drive a $1.25 Million Bugatti originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BugattiBugatti Veyroncar crashChicagoVeyronvideoWed, 27 Oct 2010 15:01:00 EST<![CDATA[More Madoff Items Up For Auction]]>http://www.luxist.com/2010/10/21/more-madoff-items-up-for-auction/http://www.luxist.com/2010/10/21/more-madoff-items-up-for-auction/http://www.luxist.com/2010/10/21/more-madoff-items-up-for-auction/#commentsFiled under: ,


Just when I think we are done with Bernie Madoff's ill-gotten gains, more items are up for auction through the United States Marshals Service Southern District of New York. More than 400 pieces of personal property, jewelry, and antiques from the Ponzi schemer and his wife, Ruth, will be sold during a live and online auction in at the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers in New York City on November 13, 2010.

"A diamond ring, grand piano, and personalized items are just a few of the lots that will be put up on the auction block", said Joseph R. Guccione, U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of New York. "These pieces are the last of what once occupied the homes and lives of Bernard and Ruth Madoff‟s residences in New York City and Montauk, N.Y." The ring, shown above is a 10.54 carat diamond set in platinum with a GIA certificate stating that it is VS2 in clarity and F in color. Other items include a Steinway & Sons grand piano and a pair of monogrammed velvet slippers.

Proceeds from the auction will be deposited in the United States Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Fund to compensate the victims of this multi-billion dollar fraud. Even though the government has sold three homes, yachts and other Madoff belongings the total proceeds of approximately $25 million haven't come close to chipping away at amount Madoff swindled from his investors.

LuxistMore Madoff Items Up For Auction originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bernard madoffbernie madoffBernie Madoff Ponzi SchemePonzi Schemeponzi schemerponzi schemesus marshallsThu, 21 Oct 2010 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[$6,000 Sample of World's Oldest Whisky Goes Missing]]>http://www.luxist.com/2010/10/17/6-000-sample-of-worlds-oldest-whisky-goes-missing/http://www.luxist.com/2010/10/17/6-000-sample-of-worlds-oldest-whisky-goes-missing/http://www.luxist.com/2010/10/17/6-000-sample-of-worlds-oldest-whisky-goes-missing/#commentsFiled under: ,



Ordinarily, the idea of a 200 ml sample bottle of scotch disappearing would hardly be news-worthy. But this, as you might have surmised, is no ordinary scotch. What we're dealing with here is a 70-year old malt from the obscure Mortlach distillery in Dufftown, Scotland, presented by the independent bottlers at Gordon & MacPhail.

Naturally at that age - reportedly the oldest ever bottled - the rare single malt wasn't bottled in great quantities, and sold at a justifiably elevated price. The few 700 ml decanters offered sold at £10,000 apiece - on par with The Dalmore Sirius 58yo and the Highland Park 50yo - and a limited quantity of 200 ml bottles were sold at £2,500, promptly skyrocketing in value on the open market to around $6,000.

The Swedish importer Symposion International was allocated two of the former and three of the later. They were displayed at the recent Stockholm Beer & Whisky festival, where one of the smaller bottles went missing. The distributor has appealed to the press (that's us!) to help track down the rare bottle by publicizing the details of its disappearance: it went missing after the conclusion of the show, leading Symposion to surmise that whoever took it knew what s/he was looking for and had good knowledge of the exposition center where it was held. Although the presentation box was taken with the sample, the back of the case was left behind along with the packaging that went around it. Have any tips as to its whereabouts? Contact Symposion International.

Luxist$6,000 Sample of World's Oldest Whisky Goes Missing originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 17 Oct 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>generationsgordon and macphailgordon macphailmortlachstockholm beer and whisky festivalsymposionsymposion internationalSun, 17 Oct 2010 19:01:00 EST