Melbourne gold merchant jailed for trading in stolen jewels
A jetsetting Melbourne gold merchant who used his shopfront to buy stolen gold, diamonds and luxury watches while flaunting his wealth and brushes with celebrities on social media has been jailed.
Police & Courts
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A high-flying gold merchant who travelled the world and mixed with celebrities has been jailed after using his Melbourne shopfront to give cash to crooks for stolen jewellery.
Alejandro “Alex” Mendieta-Blanco, 34, fronted Victoria’s County Court on Tuesday where he was locked up for four months for what judge Scott Johns described as his greed-driven crimes.
The Colombian-born businessman — who had Aussie music star Delta Goodrem perform at his 30th birthday party — must also complete 200 hours of unpaid community work on a two-year Community Correction Order when released.
The court heard Mendieta-Blanco encouraged staff at his Gold Buyers Melbourne store in Collins St, Melbourne, to make off-the-books transactions to dodgy customers in 2017.
He knew the gold, diamonds, precious gems and luxury watches were stolen and would quickly melt them and sell to a refinery so their crimes would go undetected.
On top of his $365,000 salary, the gold dealer would rake in 65 per cent of the scam’s profits, before sharing the remaining spoils with his entrusted workers.
He flaunted his extravagant lifestyle on social media, posting images of himself driving his Lamborghini, sipping champagne on business class flights, and front-row seats at the tennis.
Mendieta-Blanco was involved in dodgy transactions totalling almost $30,000, including paying $300 for a stolen Louis Vuitton handbag.
His older brother Julio Mendieta-Blanco handed over $45,000 as part of the covert dealings and another employee, Chey Tenenboim, dished out $144,000.
But Judge Johns said while the father of two’s amount was less he had “set the tone” as the owner and operator of the business.
“There is no evidence you experienced any shame or disquiet during your offending,” he said.
“Greed is the only reasonable explanation.”
Judge Johns said Mendieta-Blanco was “gifted” and hardworking having come to Australia with little English, starting out as a cleaner and dishwasher, before setting up his own business renting out coin-operated massage chairs to RSL’s and shopping centres.
In 2016, he ventured into the gold trade industry, starting his Sell Your Gold business, trading under Gold Buyers Melbourne.
He had also been involved in many charitable events, including sponsoring overseas children for their education in Australia and donating some 300 bicycles to children in Vietnam.
“It is a great shame you have sullied such a great reputation,” Judge Johns said.
Mendieta-Blanco had initially faced 450 charges but pleaded guilty to one rolled-up charge of receiving stolen goods.
His brother Julio Mendieta Blanco avoided jail and instead placed on a CCO for 2½ years with 250 hours of unpaid community work.
Mr Tenenboim was earlier jailed for 12 months for his involvement.