Fashion designer Cătălin Botezatu testified at Southwark Crown Court that he feared for his life when three men attacked him outside the Amazonico restaurant in Mayfair, cutting a diamond and crystal Richard Mille watch directly from his wrist on January 28, according to the Evening Standard and the Daily Mail. The Romanian entrepreneur, who has previously collaborated with Vogue and Versace, gave evidence from behind a screen while assisted by a translator during the ongoing trial.
The Mayfair Restaurant Ambush
According to court testimony reported by the Daily Mail, the incident occurred after Botezatu finished a meal and stepped out onto the terrace of the Berkeley Square restaurant to smoke a cigar with a friend. Prosecutor Arizuna Asante told the jury that CCTV footage captured the suspects scouting the location and identifying their target before launching the ambush.
Three men rushed the 59-year-old designer from the right side, pushing him into a protective fence. While two of the assailants restrained him, a third used a sharp instrument to slice through the watch strap. Botezatu stated that everything unfolded within seconds.
“I couldn’t believe this was happening, that something like this would happen in London, in front of a luxury restaurant where I was a client,” Botezatu told jurors, according to the Daily Mail report.
Medical Concerns and Stolen Valuables
During his testimony, Botezatu explained that he actively tried to protect his left arm and shield his body due to severe health concerns, fearing that a physical blow could prove fatal. He cited five previous surgeries on his right-hand side, a prior cancer operation, and five existing cardiac stents.
“I feared for my life. Because of my cancer operation, and I have five stents fitted, and because the slightest blow or cut… where I was operated, could have been fatal,” Botezatu said, as quoted by the Daily Mail.
The stolen timepiece—a limited-edition, diamond-encrusted Richard Mille watch featuring a rubber strap—was purchased over a decade ago for roughly €200,000, equivalent to about £170,000. Prosecutors noted that the luxury item carries significantly higher value today. Beyond its market worth, Botezatu emphasized its deep sentimental value as a gift from a friend who has since died. The watch has never been recovered.
The Defendants and Court Proceedings
Following the attack, Botezatu’s assistant, Edward Radu, gave chase, but the suspects successfully fled the scene. Three individuals were subsequently connected to the crime.
Younes Djoudi has already admitted to the robbery charge. Meanwhile, two other men—Ali Eldahouzze, 22, and Abdel El Habchi, 30—stand trial denying the charge of robbery at Southwark Crown Court. Prosecutor Arizuna Asante argued to the jury that the attack was executed as part of a deliberate joint enterprise involving prior planning and target scoping.
Defense representations outlined to the court indicate that El Habchi maintains he did not know, foresee, participate in, or play any part in the robbery. Eldahouzze’s defense asserts that he did not intend to steal a watch and acted under duress from Djoudi. The trial is scheduled to last for four days.
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