Influencer denies role in £137k Mayfair watch robbery

An influencer accused of assisting in the robbery of a fashion designer's diamond-encrusted watch in Mayfair told Southwark Crown Court he had no knowledge of the incident. Abdel El Habchi, 30, who has over a million followers in Morocco, stated he was unaware a watch had been taken until later, according to BBC London.

Romanian entrepreneur Catalin Botezatu was allegedly robbed of his Richard Mille watch, valued at more than £137,000, by three men. The incident occurred on the evening of 28 January. Mr Botezatu had been on the terrace of the restaurant Amazonico in Berkeley Square, smoking a cigar with a friend, when the watch was allegedly cut from his wrist with a blade shortly before midnight.

Allegations and Defence

El Habchi told the jury that while in a car with co-accused Younes Djoudi near the restaurant, he was in the back seat watching videos. He reported hearing Djoudi being aggressive and threatening towards another co-accused, Ali Eldahouzze, 22. Later, while walking in the area, El Habchi said he saw Djoudi grab something from another man's hand.

El Habchi explained his decision to run from the scene was due to panic, stating he had never been in such a situation before. He told the court, as reported by BBC London, "To be honest with you I felt as if I was betrayed, I had no idea what was happening and I found myself in this problem."

When questioned about threats, El Habchi tearfully stated that Djoudi had threatened him, saying, "if you report anything to the police I will burn your kids." El Habchi said he was scared of Djoudi, whom he claimed has many connections. He added that his primary concern was his children's safety, which led him to feel he was in a difficult situation.

Ali Eldahouzze also denies the robbery offence. Younes Djoudi has pleaded guilty to the robbery. The trial is ongoing.