Two Algerian Men Sentenced After Stealing Timepiece Worth Nearly $1 Million

Two Algerian men have been sentenced to nearly 20 years combined after they stole a rare and expensive watch.

Mehdi Didda, 35, and his associate Mohamed Safri, 36, stalking several wealthy clients at high-end stores in central London, before snatching their pricey timepieces, reports said.

The latest victim of this crime was, Ngoc Cao, as he was leaving Selfridges with his wife. Didda attacked Cao, then snatched a RM 69 Erotic Tourbillion worth $929,000 from his wrist.

The watch, which was No.19 of just 30 made by designer Richard Mille, features bars that rotate with x-rated messages such as, “I’d love to explore you tonight”.

Cao, who resides in Vietnam, testified at the trial for the two men last year.

“We had been shopping at Selfridges before 7 p.m. We didn’t stay long and went to the tax-free lounge,” he said, according to the Wandsworth Guardian. “We then went onto Oxford Street and felt someone grabbing at my wrist. The man who tried to steal from me ran across the road. He had taken my watch and scratched my wrist.”

Didda was convicted of conspiracy to rob, handling stolen goods, and possessing criminal property, while Safri was convicted of conspiracy to rob, but cleared of conspiracy to handle stolen goods. Didda was sentenced to 9 years in prison, and Safri 8 years.

After serving their sentences, both men will face deportation.