Judge rules that Sydney jeweller Michel Germani to remain in study due to his ‘strong’ motivation to plan robbery

High-profile jeweller Michel Germani has been denied bail and will remain in custody after a judge declared he had a powerful motive to plot a major robbery on his own city-centre store. His wife Coco’s contacts in China were part of the prosecution’s case for keeping him behind bars. Germani is accused of staging the robbery of his Sydney city store in January 2022, during which a female employee was allegedly tied to a chair and threatened. Police have not been able to recover more than 160 items valued at $2.8 million that were reported stolen. Germani has been charged with robbery, participating in a criminal group, contributing to criminal activity, and making false statements.

Mounir Helou, who allegedly carried out the robbery after posing as a customer and helped restrain the employee, was granted bail on Tuesday. Germani’s wife, Coco, is also facing charges for doing an act intending to pervert the course of justice, after an unsuccessful bail hearing for her husband. The Supreme Court had previously heard that she was allegedly involved in the robbery scheme. Justice Stephen Rothman noted the significant contacts between Coco and people in China, with which Australia does not have an extradition treaty, which poses a risk in terms of facilitating extradition.

Germani’s lawyer, Matthew Kalyk, argued that a trial might not begin until mid-2025, at which time the jeweller would have been in custody for more than two years. He pointed out that the police case relied on statements by co-accused that had never materialized, including one from Giualla Penna, who Germani allegedly recruited to organize the robbery. Police intercepted phone conversations involving Penna seeking a valuation for a stolen ring listed on an insurance claim. Penna is no longer available to give evidence in the trial, leaving a significant hole in the crown case.

Justice Rothman acknowledged that the crown case against Germani was predominantly circumstantial but described it as “very strong.” He noted evidence of the significant financial difficulties Germani was facing before the robbery, including a notice of default from Hilton Sydney about the lease on his store. While motive alone does not prove guilt, Justice Rothman emphasized in this case, the motive was strong. Germani’s lawyer stressed that his client would not be likely to flee the jurisdiction due to his lengthy community ties, but the judge remained unconvinced and denied bail.

Despite the challenges in the case, including the absence of key witnesses and the circumstantial nature of the evidence, Germani remains in custody as he faces charges related to the robbery of his own store. The prosecution’s arguments regarding his strong motive and ties to individuals in China have influenced the judge’s decision to keep him behind bars. Germani’s financial difficulties and involvement in the planning of the robbery further strengthen the case against him. As the legal proceedings continue, it remains to be seen how the evidence will unfold and whether Germani will be found guilty on the charges he faces.