Mehmet Sever, born in Turkey, operated Platinum Fine Jewellery and Crown Diamonds in Brighton. Both stores closed without notice in December 2025. Allegations from former customers, employees, and jewellers that Sever owes them money have led to 34 suspected cases of fraud and theft under investigation by Sussex Police.
A report published by the BBC outlined the experiences of a 73-year-old man who invested more than £75,000 in the business without repayment, while staff were also allegedly underpaid. Detective Inspector Jenny Pietersen confirmed that an arrest warrant is in place and Interpol is involved.
"People have lost really sentimental pieces of jewellery – things that they've inherited, wedding rings, etc," she said.
"In my experience, I think grooming is an appropriate word to be used. I don't think you're willingly going to hand over substantial amounts of money to someone that you didn't feel that you had a relationship with."
The report revealed that Sever’s whereabouts are currently unknown; however, he is believed to be in Turkey.
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