An influencer accused of participating in the robbery of a luxury watch worth approximately £170,000 in London's Mayfair has asserted his innocence, stating he had no prior knowledge of the planned theft and was coerced into silence.
Abdel El Habchi, 30, is on trial with Ali Eldahouzze, 22, and Younes Djoudi, who are accused of forcibly taking a Richard Mille watch from the wrist of Romanian fashion designer Catalin Botezatu on the evening of January 28.
According to court testimony, Mr. Botezatu was on the terrace of the restaurant Amazonico in Berkeley Square, smoking a cigar with a friend, when the trio allegedly approached him shortly before midnight. Mr. Botezatu stated that he attempted to resist but was overpowered. He reported that two individuals restrained him while a third used a knife to cut the watch strap.
El Habchi, who told the court he came to the UK in 2019 and is married with two children, testified that he was unaware of the watch being stolen until later. He claims that he and Eldahouzze were traveling from Slough to central London when Djoudi instructed them to meet in Mayfair. While in Djoudi's car, El Habchi said he was in the back seat and heard Djoudi being aggressive towards Eldahouzze.
El Habchi testified that he later saw Djoudi grab something from a man's hand, but at the time, he panicked and ran from the scene, stating he had never been in such a situation before. He also recounted that Eldahouzze later told him Djoudi had threatened him to comply with his demands. El Habchi stated that Djoudi met with them the following morning with the watch.
When questioned about threats, El Habchi tearfully told the court that Djoudi threatened to harm his children if he reported the incident to the police, claiming Djoudi has significant connections. El Habchi asserted he was under threat and afraid for his children's safety.
The court heard that all three defendants were incarcerated at Wandsworth prison. El Habchi also alleged that Djoudi instigated an assault against him in prison in April, resulting in injuries to his back and head.
Prosecution counsel suggested to El Habchi that his intention in going to Berkeley Square was to find a target for robbery, which he denied. El Habchi also denied walking around the restaurant area eyeing Mr. Botezatu as a target.
Mr. Botezatu, who has previously undergone multiple surgeries, expressed fear for his life during the incident, particularly concerned about potential injury to his right side. He stated he tried to protect his left arm and the watch but was unable to prevent the theft. His assistant reportedly attempted to chase the suspects, but they escaped.
El Habchi and Eldahouzze have pleaded not guilty to one count of robbery, while Djoudi has pleaded guilty to the offense. The trial is ongoing.