'Golden Eye' diamond expected to sell for millions at auction

From The Telegraph (UK): 'Golden Eye' diamond expected to sell for millions at auction

The diamond was seized in 2006 by the FBI in an undercover operation that led to the conviction of a businessman for money laundering.

It is currently being kept at a federal building in Cleveland, Ohio and bids will start at $900,000 (£550,000) in the online auction on Sept 6.

According to court documents businessman Paul Monea tried to sell the diamond, along with a home he owned in Ohio, to an undercover FBI agent for $19.5 million (£12 million) and a boat. The home involved had previously been the estate of boxer Mike Tyson.

The diamond originated in South Africa but it was unclear how it ended up with Monea. He was alleged to have told others involved in the case that he owned a diamond mine in Africa and received the it from a friend.

US. Marshal Pete Elliott of the Northern District of Ohio, said: "This precious gem is sure to generate interest worldwide." The Department of Justice said money raised from the sale of the diamond would help to pay for law enforcement and community programmes.

From Wikipedia:
The Golden Eye Diamond is a flawless 43.5-carat (8.7 g) Canary Yellow diamond, claimed to be the world's largest of its cut and color. It is listed at number four of the top ten notable diamonds. It came from the Kimberley area of South Africa.

Ownership
Prior to its acquisition by Ohio businessman Paul Monea, its history is unclear. The Federal Bureau of Investigation seized the diamond following an undercover investigation of Monea that resulted in his conviction for money laundering and the diamond's forfeiture to the U.S. government in 2007.

It was approved to be auctioned by a federal judge. Its sale was planned tentatively in January 2011, but after a delay it was announced it will be sold via online auction in September 2011, with a minimum bid of $900,000