Saks Stylist Accused of $400K Theft Scheme

A prominent personal shopper, celebrated for styling Boston's wealthiest individuals, is accused of defrauding Saks Fifth Avenue of more than $400,000. Suhail Kwatra allegedly orchestrated a scheme involving returning uncollected client purchases for gift cards, which he then kept. He is also implicated in the mismanagement of promotional and corporate cards.

Kwatra, who boasted a clientele including high-profile designers and celebrities' families, allegedly amassed $11,000 from fraudulent returns in just two months. Social media posts showed him with items he is accused of obtaining improperly. He initially admitted to the $429,400 loss in a handwritten note to the store.

However, his legal representation claims the confession was made under duress and that his actions, including offering gift cards, were sanctioned by managers to boost business. The defense suggests the allegations surfaced after Kwatra refused a retention bonus while considering employment with a competitor.