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A Tysons man was sentenced to one year and nine months in prison after falsely claiming he never received more than $1 million in luxury watches that prosecutors say he planned to resell.

Jaivin Raj Karnani, 45, received the sentence Thursday, Jan. 8, after pleading guilty to one count of mail fraud. He must also forfeit more than $1.2 million and 23 watches seized from his home.

From November 2022 through June 2024, Karnani ordered and received nearly two dozen watches from Harrods, the London department store. The purchases included Rolex, Moser and Oris watches, among other brands.

After the watches arrived, Karnani disputed the charges with American Express, claiming he had not received the merchandise. Court documents say he actually possessed the watches and intended to sell them for profit.

Karnani conducted the scheme using his real name and two aliases. Authorities uncovered it after executing a search warrant at his residence last April.

The fraudulent disputes eliminated more than $680,000 in charges. Karnani tried unsuccessfully to reverse nearly $1 million in additional purchases.

U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan said abuses of consumer-protection systems can increase costs, undermine trust and impose burdens on legitimate businesses.

Halligan’s position as acting U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia has faced court challenges. A federal judge ordered the Justice Department last week to explain why she remained in the role after another judge ruled in November that her appointment was unlawful.