A McLean resident, Jaivin Raj Karnani, was sentenced in Alexandria to one year and nine months in federal prison for his involvement in a mail fraud scheme. Court documents reveal that between November 2022 and June 2024, Karnani used several American Express card accounts under his own name and aliases “Quinn Bash” and “Steve Johnson” to purchase luxury watches from Harrods Limited, a department store based in London.
After receiving the watches, Karnani would dispute the charges with American Express, seeking to have the costs removed from his statements. He then sold or attempted to sell the timepieces to watch dealers located in Michigan and New York.
“Jaivan Karnani’s fraudulent conduct resulted in a federal prison sentence,” said Lindsey Halligan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “This case demonstrates how the abuse of consumer-protection systems inflicts widespread financial harm – driving up costs, eroding trust, and burdening honest businesses. The Eastern District of Virginia will hold accountable anyone who exploits these safeguards to enrich themselves at others’ expense.”
The total value of luxury watches Karnani obtained through this scheme was $1,280,647.99. The fraud caused losses amounting to $851,328.75 for American Express and $426,794.24 for Harrods. In addition to targeting retailers and credit card companies, Karnani also misused the charge-back process against his own legal representatives by reversing fees they had earned; these actions led to civil judgments against him.
Karnani is required to forfeit both $1,280,647.99 and 23 luxury watches that were seized from his residence in McLean. The collection includes items by brands such as Rolex, Moser, Oris, Chanel, Tissot, Tudor, Omega, Porsche, Gucci, and Chopard.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell L. Carlberg prosecuted the case.
Further details about this case can be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia or by searching Case No. 1:25-cr-274 on PACER.
