A Moroccan social media influencer and two accomplices have been convicted of robbing a prominent fashion designer of a diamond-encrusted Richard Mille watch valued at approximately $170,000 (£170,000) outside a Mayfair restaurant. Abdel El Habchi, 30, and Ali Eldahouzze, 22, were found guilty by a Southwark Crown Court jury of robbery, while Younes Djoudi, 34, had previously admitted to the charge.
The incident occurred on January 28 when the victim, Catalin Botezatu, who has designed for Versace, was smoking with a friend outside the restaurant Amazonico in Berkeley Square. Botezatu told the court that the trio approached him shortly before midnight. Eldahouzze and El Habchi restrained him while Djoudi cut the watch from his wrist with a sharp object. Botezatu sustained cuts to his wrists during the struggle.
Botezatu, who received the limited-edition watch about 13 years ago, expressed fear for his life, citing a history of cancer surgery and the presence of five stents. He stated that any significant blow or cut could have been fatal. The watch, which has high sentimental value as a gift from a deceased friend, would now be worth considerably more than its original cost of up to €200,000.
El Habchi, who is also a security guard, claimed he was unaware of the robbery plot. Videos from his social media accounts show him in uniform, and he has previously worked as a security guard for the supermarket chain Sainsbury's. He told jurors he entered the UK on a spouse visa in March 2019 and has two children with his wife, Amy.
Eldahouzze testified that Djoudi threatened him to steal the watch, but he denied complying. He stated he has a significant social media following, with millions of followers across Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, where he livestreams his activities in London. Police discovered incriminating messages on Eldahouzze's phone, including a photograph of the stolen watch.
Prosecutor Arizuna Asante characterized the event as a joint enterprise, with the three men scouting their target before the robbery. Botezatu's assistant pursued the thieves for approximately 500 meters before they separated.
Judge Dafna Spiro remanded all three men into custody. Sentencing is scheduled for October 16. El Habchi and Eldahouzze were convicted unanimously by the jury, with the judge noting their clear guilt.