A robbery that saw a £137,000 diamond‑encrusted watch ripped from a designer's wrist in London highlights a pattern of similar high‑value thefts reported in Canada and the United States.
Amazonico robbery in Mayfair
A fashion designer was robbed of his Richard Mille watch worth more than 160,000 euro (£137,000) when it was cut from his wrist outside a restaurant in Mayfair, jurors have been told.
Catalin Botezatu, a Romanian entrepreneur, was targeted after leaving the Latin American restaurant Amazonico in Berkeley Square just before midnight on 28 January.
Prosecutor Arizuna Asante told the court that the victim stood near his car smoking for a few minutes with a friend before three males approached.
The three males surrounded Mr Botezatu and wrested the watch from his left wrist, using a knife to cut through the rubber strap, leaving cuts on his wrists.
Police in Toronto and New York have recently investigated comparable incidents involving luxury timepieces, underscoring a trans‑national challenge for law enforcement.
Canadian and American authorities have been sharing intelligence on organized groups targeting affluent shoppers in major cities.
Southwark Crown Court hearing
Jurors at Southwark Crown Court heard that the defendants, Ali Eldahouzze, 22, and Abdel El Habchi, 30, denied the robbery charge.
The prosecution said a third man, Younes Djoudi, had pleaded guilty to robbery and helped the pair plan the theft.
Mr Asante said the suspects had been scouting the restaurant and the victim, likely noticing the valuable watch.
Eldahouzze, who wore a white shirt and dark tie, and El Habchi, in a patterned short‑sleeved shirt, were assisted by an Arabic interpreter in the dock.
The pair each deny one count of robbery and the trial continues.