A 35-year-old San Francisco woman who worked as a nanny for a Tiburon family was arrested after authorities say she rang up about $60,000 in airline tickets, luxury hotels and spa services on her employer’s credit card. She was taken into custody at San Francisco International Airport last Tuesday, days after the family reported tens of thousands of dollars in unauthorized charges on March 26. Investigators say the spending spiked after the woman's employment ended in December 2025.
Police say airport bust followed overseas travel
In a news release, the Tiburon Police Department said detectives met with the victim on March 26 and learned the nanny, identified as 35-year-old Naghmeh Novbakhtian, had been given access to a family credit card for childcare-related expenses while she was employed. According to the department, investigators discovered Novbakhtian was traveling abroad and arranged to have her detained when she returned, taking her into custody at SFO on March 31 at about 6:50 AM.
Alleged binge spending detailed by investigators
As reported by the San Francisco Chronicle, the victim's credit card company alerted the family to a “dramatic and unauthorized increase in spending” after the nanny left in December 2025. Police say the charges included airline tickets in the suspect's name, international travel, luxury hotels, cosmetic and spa services, retail purchases, ride services and electronic payments to accounts tied to the suspect.
Coordinated arrest at SFO
KTVU reported that Novbakhtian was detained as she arrived at San Francisco International Airport, with authorities coordinating the arrest as the flight landed. According to the station, Tiburon detectives worked with San Francisco officers to carry out the airport arrest, and the investigation remains active.
Possible link to earlier burglary under review
Investigators are also working to determine whether a previously reported residential burglary may be related to the credit card case, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. Officials have not disclosed further details about that possible connection while they continue gathering evidence.
What happens next
The Tiburon Police Department has forwarded the case to the Marin County District Attorney’s Office for review for possible felony charges, including grand theft and fraud, according to the town’s release. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Tiburon Police Department at 415-789-2801.
