Police seek counterfeit watch suspect

Hermosa Beach police were seeking an east coast man who they suspect of selling an expensive counterfeit watch to a Hermosa jeweler. Authorities said the man is wanted in connection with similar crimes in  Virginia, South Carolina, Florida, and New York.

The man, identified as Ian K. Kosloff, 34, of Bronx, N.Y., allegedly entered the store in Hermosa Beach about 3 p.m. Monday, May 9 and presented a counterfeit Rolex Milgauss watch, Hermosa Beach Police Detective Mick Gaglia said.

The store owner purchased the counterfeit watch for nearly $4,000, and was able to make a copy of the suspect’s New York identification card and get his cell phone number, Gaglia said.  

“The store owner examined the watch, but failed to remove the backing to search for authenticity. The store owner then bought the watch believing that it was a true Rolex product for $3,900,” Gaglia said.  

“The store owner wrote a receipt which included a copy of Suspect Kosloff’s New York ID card. The suspect has since failed to answer the phone number provided during the crime,” Gaglia said.  

“A records search of Ian Kosloff provided information regarding his history as a watch counterfeiter and details of prior arrests for similar crimes. Suspect Kosloff is wanted in Virginia, South Carolina, Florida, and New York,” Gaglia said.  

Police urge anyone with information regarding Ian Kosloff’s whereabouts to contact Gaglia or the HBPD at 310-318-0348 or mgaglia@hermosapolice.org.