Algerian National to be Deported Following High-Value Soho Theft
An Algerian thief who stole a woman's handbag containing a Fabergé egg and a luxury watch valued at over £2.1 million is set to be deported upon his release from prison. Enzo Conticello, aged 29, targeted Rosie Dawson, the Director of Premium Brands at Craft Irish Whiskey, in a brazen daylight robbery.
The Soho Street Robbery
The incident occurred on November 7, 2024, outside the Dog and Duck pub on Bateman Street in Soho. Conticello approached Ms. Dawson as she was greeting a friend and swiftly stole her Givenchy handbag. Inside the bag were credit cards, a laptop, and the exceptionally valuable Fabergé egg and Fabergé watch, which belonged to the whiskey company.
Following the theft, Conticello used Ms. Dawson's credit card to purchase a drink, cigarettes, and other items at a nearby Co-Op and Nisa Local store. This additional fraudulent activity compounded the seriousness of his initial crime.
Arrest and Court Proceedings
Metropolitan Police detectives arrested Conticello, who also goes by the name Hakim Boudjenoune, in Belfast on January 26. Last week, he pleaded guilty to theft and three counts of fraud by false representation. He remains in custody awaiting sentencing, which is scheduled for April 9.
Conticello did not enter a plea regarding a separate charge of concealing criminal property, specifically the Fabergé egg and watch. Prosecutor Julian Winship requested that this charge be placed on file. Both the Fabergé egg and the watch are still missing, and the Metropolitan Police have issued a public appeal for information regarding their whereabouts.
Judicial Remarks and Deportation Order
During court proceedings, Judge Mark Weekes noted the unusual nature of the stolen items, remarking to Conticello, 'It must have been rather a surprise to you when you saw that egg, what you did with it I don't know at the moment.'
Defence lawyer Matthew Keliris-Thomas requested a pre-sentence report, highlighting that Conticello is not heavily convicted. However, Judge Weekes responded sceptically with, 'Well, ish.' The judge ultimately decided that no pre-sentence reports were necessary, citing Conticello's status as an overstayer in the UK.
'He is also an overstayer. He is liable for deportation it would seem,' stated Judge Weekes, confirming the deportation order that will follow Conticello's prison sentence. The judge also directed prosecutors to provide an updated valuation of the Fabergé egg by March 20 for sentencing considerations.
Background and Ongoing Investigation
Conticello was previously convicted of theft at Laganside Court in Belfast on January 9 and received a five-month jail sentence. The Fabergé egg, a creation of the renowned Russian jeweller Charles Fabergé, known for crafting exquisite Easter eggs from precious metals and gemstones, remains a focal point of the investigation.
Detectives continue to urge anyone with information about the missing egg to contact police via 101, quoting crime reference 01/1057202/24, or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
