Accused Bay Area High-End Wine Thieves Face Federal Charges

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – Federal charges have been filed against two men who are accused of transporting stolen wine worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Prosecutors say the wine was stolen in a string of thefts dating back three years.

Alfred Georgis, 53, and 44 year old Davis Kiryakoz face multiple charges for allegedly transporting stolen goods.

Investigators said among the places hit were the French Laundry restaurant in Yountville and Alexander's Steakhouse in Cupertino.

Wine fraud expert Maureen Downey says seven outlets were targeted. Downey told KCBS that all were hit at night right before closure or a holiday and the same basic wines were stolen every time.

"What strikes me is how easy it is for crooks to move those wines in our markets here in the U.S. and abroad, actually," Downey said.

KCBS Food and Wine Editor Narsai David said local demand has been growing for high-end wines.

"They're wonderful wines, there's no question," David said. "But they're far more important as collectibles these days, than they are as wines."

Most of the stolen bottles were eventually recovered.