Moroccan Influencer Receives Long Sentence for Diamond-Encrusted Watch Robbery
In a notable case that has captured attention across Morocco, a 30-year-old influencer from Casablanca has been sentenced to five years and six months in prison for his involvement in the audacious theft of a diamond-encrusted luxury watch valued at approximately £140,000 (equivalent to MAD 1.82 million). This sentencing took place at Southwark Crown Court in London on October 16, following a robbery incident in the upscale Mayfair district earlier this year, as reported by the Metropolitan Police.
The robbery occurred just before midnight on January 28, outside the popular Amazónico restaurant located in Berkeley Square. The victim, identified as C.B., a Romanian fashion designer, was returning to his car after dining with his assistant and a friend when he was confronted by three men. They aggressively forced him against the railings and stole his prized Richard Mille watch. In the course of the robbery, one of the assailants used a sharp object to cut the watch strap, causing injury to the victim.
During the court proceedings, C.B. expressed his fears for his safety, especially given his medical history that included heart surgery and the presence of stents in his body. He also shared the emotional significance of the watch, stating that it was a gift from a close friend who had since passed away. Despite the extensive investigation, the luxury timepiece has yet to be recovered.
The other two defendants involved in this case, Y.D., aged 34, and A.E., aged 22, received sentences of five years and nine months and three years and six months, respectively. Y.D. was apprehended in Slough just a day after the robbery, while A.E.H. and A.E. were arrested later in March following a thorough analysis of communications data and cell-site information that linked them to the crime.
During the trial, A.E.H. denied any involvement in the robbery, claiming he was merely sitting in a car watching TikTok videos when he witnessed an argument among the other suspects. He further alleged that he fled the scene out of fear after Y.D. threatened his children if he reported the incident to law enforcement. Ultimately, A.E.H. and A.E. were found guilty by a jury in September, while Y.D. had previously pleaded guilty before the trial began.
The Metropolitan Police have stated that this investigation has successfully led to the convictions of all three individuals, although the stolen luxury watch remains elusive and unaccounted for.
As reported by moroccoworldnews.com.
