Two individuals have been indicted for allegedly operating a Manhattan cosmetics store that served as a front for a large-scale fencing operation, as revealed by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office. The store, Rehana's Cosmetics, located on 6th Avenue, reportedly accumulated over $1 million in stolen goods in its storage facilities.

According to the district attorney, Rehana's Cosmetics not only functioned as a brick-and-mortar perfume and makeup store but also maintained an online shop. Authorities claim that the store had gained a reputation as a popular destination for thieves looking to dispose of stolen merchandise.

During a raid conducted by investigators in January, numerous stolen items were discovered in both the business premises and two Broadway storage units linked to Rehana's Cosmetics. The recovered goods included a vast assortment of beauty supplies, medication, vitamins, grooming devices, clothing, handbags, backpacks, kitchenware, appliances, Legos, toys, coffee machines, and vacuums. The stolen items, packed in 450 cardboard boxes, were estimated to be worth more than one million dollars.

Further investigation revealed that over $200,000 worth of merchandise had been taken from Macy's alone, while the remaining stolen goods were allegedly sourced from retailers such as CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, Duane Reade, Victoria's Secret, Bath & Body Works, the NHL store, and Ultra Beauty.

The Manhattan District Attorney's Office has charged two individuals in connection with the operation. Bibi Rehana Khan, 54, from Mount Vernon, and Aaron Khan, 40, from the Bronx, along with Rehana's Cosmetics, have been charged with three counts of criminal possession of stolen property.

In a statement, District Attorney Alvin Bragg emphasized the impact of retail theft on local businesses and the safety of employees and customers. He expressed the need to employ comprehensive measures to combat retail theft, including proactive investigations of those who profit from such criminal activities.

Bragg also highlighted the importance of disrupting fencing networks and holding repeat offenders accountable for their involvement in retail theft. The district attorney underscored his office's commitment to targeting the small number of recidivists responsible for a significant portion of retail theft.

The alleged operation reveals the challenges faced by retailers and the measures required to combat organized retail theft effectively. As investigations continue, local businesses and authorities are hopeful that these efforts will contribute to curbing the prevalence of such criminal enterprises in the future.