Two defendants deny robbery charges in an ongoing trial at Southwark Crown Court, while a third has admitted involvement.
When international fashion designer Catalin Botezatu stepped out of the upscale Berkeley Square restaurant Amazonico on a late Wednesday evening in January, he expected a quiet moment to smoke a cigar. Instead, the Romanian entrepreneur walked straight into a violent, targeted ambush that left a jury at Southwark Crown Court hearing harrowing details of a high-value street robbery.
The Bottom Line
- The Incident: Catalin Botezatu testified that three men attacked him outside Amazonico in Mayfair on Wednesday, January 28, cutting a Richard Mille watch directly from his arm.
- The Legal Proceedings: Defendants Ali Eldahouzze and Abdel El Habchi deny robbery charges, whereas a third suspect, Younes Djoudi, has admitted guilt.
- The Valuations: The limited-edition, diamond-set timepiece was originally purchased for up to €200,000 (£170,000) over a decade ago, with current estimates and prosecution arguments pointing to a significant modern value.
Inside the Berkeley Square Ambush
The assault unfolded in seconds outside one of Mayfair’s most exclusive dining destinations. Botezatu, a 59-year-old designer who has previously collaborated with major houses like Vogue and Versace, described to jurors how he was shoved against a fence and pinned down. According to his testimony given behind a protective screen, the central attacker used a sharp instrument to slice through both his sleeve and the rubber strap of the rare timepiece.
Prosecutor Arizuna Asante outlined to the court that the attack was a premeditated joint enterprise. CCTV footage exhibited during the trial showed the accused men casing the terrace where Botezatu and a friend were dining and smoking. Once the victim stepped outside the roped-off entrance—which was manned by security—the suspects moved in.
Botezatu told the jury that he genuinely feared for his life during the encounter. Citing a history of serious medical procedures, including five previous surgeries to his right side and fitted heart stents, he explained that he tried desperately to shield his vital organs from a potentially lethal blow rather than just protecting his property. Despite his assistant, Edward Radu, giving chase immediately after the assault, the suspects fled, and the watch has never been recovered.
The Escalating Security Crisis Facing Luxury Consumers
This Mayfair robbery highlights a broader, troubling trend across global luxury capitals where high-end accessories become immediate targets for organized thieves. High-net-worth individuals, celebrities, and prominent designers frequenting exclusive postcodes increasingly find themselves under surveillance by crews specializing in snatch-and-grab thefts of elite horology.
Richard Mille timepieces, known for their distinctive tonneau shapes and extreme price tags, remain prime targets on the secondary market due to their high liquidity and distinct visibility. The piece stolen from Botezatu carried profound sentimental value in addition to its steep market worth, having been gifted to him by a close friend who has since passed away.
Trial Proceedings at Southwark Crown Court
| Defendant | Plea / Status | Legal Defense Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Younes Djoudi | Admitted Offence | Accepted participation in the robbery. |
| Ali Eldahouzze (22) | Denies Robbery | Claims he lacked intent to steal a watch and acted under duress from Djoudi. |
| Abdel El Habchi (30) | Denies Robbery | Maintains he did not know, foresee, participate, or play a part in the crime. |
As the four-day trial at Southwark Crown Court continues, the defense arguments hinge on differentiated levels of involvement and intent. Eldahouzze claims duress, while El Habchi maintains total non-participation. Meanwhile, victims and patrons of luxury establishments across London are left questioning whether high-end dining districts can adequately secure their clientele against sophisticated, split-second criminal operations.
What measures do you think luxury venues and local authorities should implement to curb these targeted street robberies? Share your perspective in the comments below.
