Ali Eldahouzze denies Mayfair watch robbery after death threats

A man accused of stealing a £137,000 watch from a fashion designer in Mayfair has told a court he was threatened with being set on fire if he refused to take part. Ali Eldahouzze, 22, denies one count of robbery but admitted meeting the victim’s assailant minutes before the attack in Berkeley Square on 28 January 2026.

Eldahouzze told Southwark Crown Court that Younes Djoudi, 23, threatened him during a phone call before the robbery. He said Djoudi cursed his mother and warned he would kill him and set him on fire if he did not comply. Eldahouzze claimed he fled as soon as he saw Djoudi cut the watch from the victim’s wrist.

Victim surrounded outside restaurant

Prosecutor Arizuna Asante told the court that three men surrounded Catalin Botezatu outside Amazonico restaurant shortly before midnight. The designer had been smoking a cigar on the terrace when the group wrestled the Richard Mille watch from his left wrist. A knife was reportedly used to cut the strap, leaving Botezatu with cuts to his wrists.

Eldahouzze denied any physical contact with the victim. He told jurors he did not understand Djoudi’s instructions at first because he is Moroccan and struggled with the language. He said he feared for his life after the incident and believed Djoudi would harm him at home.

Co-defendant claims ignorance of plot

Abdel El Habchi, 30, also denies robbery. He told the court last week that he had no knowledge of a plan to steal the watch. El Habchi, described as a social media influencer in Morocco, said he and Eldahouzze were travelling from Slough to Soho when Eldahouzze received a call from Djoudi instructing them to meet in Mayfair.

El Habchi said Djoudi met them the following morning with the watch. He claimed he did not realise it had been stolen. The trial continues and is expected to hear further evidence in the coming days.

What happens next

Southwark Crown Court will resume the trial on 15 September 2026. The jury will hear closing statements before deliberating on the charges against Eldahouzze and El Habchi. Djoudi, who has already pleaded guilty, is expected to be sentenced after the trial concludes.