Jeff Raharuhi allegedly stole $65k luxury seafood items from Fortune Abalone’s Sydney stores
A father allegedly stole expensive seafood – including rare sea cucumbers worth $2500 – from the same business’ two Sydney stores in brazen robberies.
St George Shire Standard
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A factory worker allegedly stole $65,000 worth of luxury seafood delicacies from the same business’ two Sydney stores, a court has heard.
Jeff Raharuhi, 33, was charged with robbery in company and larceny and applied for bail in Sutherland Local Court on Tuesday.
Police allege Raharuhi robbed Fortune Abalone’s Haymarket store with three other men shortly before 4pm on May 14.
Raharuhi allegedly took Iceland Wild Deep Sea Thorny Sea Cucumbers, Supreme Kanto Japanese Thorny Sea Cucumbers, Adenophora Stricta and dried fish maw from the George St store, court documents said.
The details of how many luxury items were allegedly stolen and how was not detailed in court, but the total was worth $50,000.
The thorny sea cucumbers sell for $1069 per 500g, the Japanese sea cucumbers cost $2475 per 500g and the dried fish maw costs upwards of $400.
A couple weeks prior, Raharuhi allegedly stole $15,146 worth of bird’s nest from Fortune Abalone’s Sussex St, Sydney store on April 26.
Edible bird nests are created by small swift birds using solidified saliva, which are harvested for human consumption. They are particularly prized in Chinese culture due to their rarity, high protein content and rich flavour and are among the most expensive animal products.
The item retails for more than $200.
In court, a police prosecutor opposed bail noting the strong prosecution case against Raharuhi appeared to be strong with CCTV footage capturing the alleged thefts.
She said phone records and clothing seized also supported the police’s allegations.
The prosecutor noted Raharuhi’s criminal record included similar property-related offences for which he had been spent time in jail for.
Raharuhi’s lawyer Peter Hails said his client could live with his mother at her San Souci home instead of his Peakhurst house where he lived with friends.
Mr Hails said Raharuhi had close family ties with his four-year-old son and his mother who he saw regularly.
The court heard Raharuhi was employed at a plastic factory in Caringbah doing warehouse work and had recently received a damages settlement and could offer a self-surety.
Mr Hails said his client wanted to use his settlement money to start his own business and seek mental health treatment.
The court heard Raharuhi could abide by a curfew, only leave his mother’s house in her company or to attend work and report to police daily.
Magistrate Holly Kemp said the allegations against Raharuhi were “very serious” with “high-value property” stolen.
She noted CCTV footage, other surveillance and alleged admissions made the prosecution case appear strong.
Ms Kemp took into account Raharuhi’s lengthy criminal record, which included not complying with court orders, adding if convicted he would likely be sentenced to full-time imprisonment.
Raharuhi was refused bail and the case was adjourned to September 12 at Downing Centre Local Court.
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