Luxury Watch Influencer Vookum Faces Wrongful Arrest in Impersonation Scam
Luxury watch dealer and prominent internet creator Tyler Mikorski, widely recognized online as Vookum, unexpectedly became a viral sensation after his mug shot began circulating across social media platforms. The New York-based watch seller later posted a detailed video explaining the incident, asserting he was wrongfully arrested and detained for three days in jail.
Arrest Details and Initial Confusion
According to Mikorski, the arrest occurred on March 1, 2026, at approximately 7:55 to 8:00 a.m., while he was preparing to board a flight to the Bahamas. Authorities informed him there was an active warrant connected to a grand larceny case in Florida, involving stolen property valued between $5,000 and $10,000. The situation rapidly gained online attention as followers expressed shock at seeing the well-known watch influencer entangled in a criminal investigation.
Mikorski was subsequently transferred and booked at the Essex County Correctional Facility, where online records indicate he remained until March 3, when he was released around 8:00 p.m. During his detention, he managed to contact his business partner, Mitchell Teper, who immediately engaged a lawyer to address the matter.
The Impersonation Scam Unraveled
In his explanation, Mikorski revealed that the issue stemmed from an impersonation scam on Facebook Marketplace. An individual allegedly used the Vookum brand name to sell a non-existent watch, convincing a buyer in Florida to send payment without delivering the product. The complaint was reported to authorities, who mistakenly believed Mikorski was responsible.
"Someone on Facebook used my name and scammed somebody in Florida, and they thought it was me," Mikorski stated, emphasizing that investigators initially failed to recognize it as an identity theft case.
Business Background and Online Presence
Tyler Mikorski operates the Vookum luxury watch business from 47th Street in Midtown Manhattan, New York, specializing in buying, selling, and auctioning high-end wristwatches. He actively posts videos showcasing behind-the-scenes moments from watch deals and client collaborations, building a substantial online following.
The story quickly spread across platforms like YouTube and social media, with users dissecting how the situation unfolded. After his release, online records now show the case has been dismissed, bringing a resolution to the misunderstanding.
This incident highlights the vulnerabilities public figures face in the digital age, where impersonation can lead to serious legal complications despite their innocence.
