An influencer accused of participating in the theft of a £170,000 diamond-encrusted watch in London's Mayfair has stated he had no prior knowledge of the alleged robbery and was subsequently threatened by a co-defendant. Abdel El Habchi, 30, along with Ali Eldahouzze, 22, and Younes Djoudi, are accused of cutting the luxury Richard Mille watch from the wrist of Romanian fashion designer Catalin Botezatu on January 28.
According to court testimony, Mr. Botezatu was on the terrace of the restaurant Amazonico in Berkeley Square with a friend when the trio allegedly approached him shortly before midnight. Mr. Botezatu, who has previously worked with publications like Vogue and Versace, told the court that he attempted to resist but was restrained by two individuals while a third used a knife to cut the watch strap.
El Habchi, who moved to the UK in 2019, testified that he was not involved in the theft and only learned of the watch being stolen later. He stated that he and Eldahouzze were traveling from Slough to central London when Eldahouzze received a call from Djoudi, directing them to meet in Mayfair. El Habchi claimed that while in Djoudi's car, he heard Djoudi speaking aggressively to Eldahouzze. Later, while walking in the area, he saw Djoudi grab something from a man's hand.
El Habchi explained his decision to flee the scene as a reaction of panic, stating, "At that moment it was panic and after one or two seconds when I see Ali run I was panicked and I was completely lost, I had never been in this situation before." He further alleged that Eldahouzze later told him Djoudi had threatened him to comply with his demands.
During his testimony, El Habchi described feeling betrayed by the events and unaware of what was transpiring. He stated that Eldahouzze had expressed fear of Djoudi. El Habchi also claimed that Djoudi met with them the following morning with the watch and subsequently threatened El Habchi, saying, "if you report anything to the police I will burn your kids." El Habchi testified that he was "under threat" and fearful of Djoudi, whom he described as having "a lot of connections," and that his primary concern was his children's safety.
All three defendants were incarcerated at Wandsworth prison following their arrests. El Habchi also alleged that Djoudi instigated an assault against him in prison in April, resulting in a cut to his back and a blow to his head.
The prosecution asserts that the three males surrounded Mr. Botezatu and took his watch, with evidence suggesting a knife was used to cut the strap, leading to cuts on the victim's wrists. The prosecution questioned El Habchi's intentions, suggesting his presence in Berkeley Square was to target individuals with high-value watches, an assertion El Habchi denied. Prosecutors estimate the stolen watch's current value to be significantly higher than €160,000.
Mr. Botezatu, concerned about prior surgeries, stated he feared for his life during the incident, attempting to protect his body from injury. He noted that the watch was taken within seconds. Mr. Botezatu's assistant reportedly pursued 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.