A suspect has been arrested and charged in connection with the robbery in which Romanian designer Cătălin Botezatu was left without a watch worth around two million pounds, stolen in the middle of the night in one of the most exclusive areas of London.
According to The Sun, 33-year-old Younes Djoudi, from Slough, was charged with robbery and remanded in custody after appearing before magistrates at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
Police intervention
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the robbery took place on the night of January 29, 2026, in Berkeley Square, Mayfair, one of London’s most exclusive areas. According to the authorities, the intervention took place immediately after receiving the emergency call.
“At 00:14 on Thursday 29 January, officers responded to reports of a robbery taking place in Berkeley Square, Mayfair,” a police spokesman said.
“Officers attended and spoke to the victim, a man in his 50s.”
The investigation progressed quickly and a suspect was identified and arrested the same day.
“Later on the same day, a man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of robbery.”
The police later formally charged the suspect.
“Younes Djoudi, 33, was charged with robbery on Saturday 31 January. He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on the same day and was remanded in custody.”
Authorities have confirmed that legal proceedings are ongoing and the suspect remains in custody pending further hearing.
“Djoudi is next due to appear in court at Southwark Crown Court.”
Extremely rare watch, estimated at two million pounds
The stolen watch is a Richard Mille, Sapphire collection, considered one of the most exclusive collections in the world. These models are made entirely of sapphire crystal, an extremely difficult material to process, and production is limited to very few examples.
Such watches can be found on the wrists of international celebrities such as Rafael Nadal, Charles Leclerc or Jay-Z, and the value of a watch can reach around two million pounds.
The rarity and high price make these models targets for networks specializing in the theft of luxury goods.
Cătălin Botezatu: “It wasn’t just an accident”
The Romanian designer stated that the incident was extremely serious and that he does not think it was a random robbery.
“Unfortunately, he hasn’t been found, but it’s an ongoing investigation. The police caught a bastard and probably after March 1st I’ll be able to give you an official statement.”
He suggested that the robbery may have been targeted.
“What I can tell you is that it was something bad, you can’t imagine. It wasn’t just like that, an accident.”
At this time, authorities have not confirmed whether the watch has been recovered.
London, increasingly targeted by theft of valuables
The robbery comes amid a significant increase in thefts in the British capital, particularly in exclusive areas.
Official figures show that in the 12 months to March 2024, 57,174 phones were reported stolen in London, around 157 a day, an increase of 28%.
Thieves often operate in areas frequented by people carrying high-value items, including neighborhoods considered among the safest in the city.
The investigation into the robbery of Cătălin Botezatu’s watch is ongoing, and the suspect remains in the custody of the authorities.
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