A gang of Algerian migrants has been jailed after a major theft involving luxury luggage linked to the Abu Dhabi royal family. The case involved jewellery worth around £600,000 taken in a fast-moving operation at a busy London travel hub. The crime took place after victims arrived in the United Kingdom on the Eurostar service.
The victims were three members of House of Nahyan, the ruling family of Abu Dhabi. They included Roda Al Nahyan, her mother Shamsa, and Najla Al Qubaisi. All three had travelled from Europe and arrived in London before the incident happened.
The group had just reached the station and were walking towards a private car waiting outside. Two suitcases were stolen during this short moment. Inside were high-value jewellery items, including gold necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. The total value was estimated at more than £600,000.
Court records showed that the thieves had been watching the area before the crime. CCTV footage captured Abdel Aitkebir, 35, and Medhi Fatih, 41, near the station. Both men had entered the UK illegally in July 2025. They were later seen waiting outside the arrival area on 16 October last year.
The theft was carefully timed. As the victims prepared to load their luggage into a private car, one man distracted the driver. At the same moment, the other suspects moved in quickly and took the cases. The action was fast, and the group escaped before immediate help could arrive.
Investigators later found important digital evidence. Fatih had photos on his phone showing the stolen jewellery. The images included gold items that matched those taken from the suitcases. This helped police connect him directly to the stolen goods.
Aitkebir told the court that he sold the stolen items to a market trader in south London for £10,000. However, this claim was disputed during the trial. Prosecutors said the value of the jewellery was much higher and supported their case with witness statements and evidence from the scene.
During proceedings, prosecutor Diana Wilson said the victims belonged to a very wealthy family. She explained that such families do not always keep receipts for personal jewellery items. The court accepted the prosecution’s position based on the overall evidence presented.
The case involved serious charges linked to organised theft. Both men were found guilty of their roles in the operation. Aitkebir was sentenced to two years and six months in prison. Fatih received a sentence of two years and four months.
Authorities said the case shows how organised groups target busy travel points. Transport hubs in large cities remain common targets for quick theft operations. Officials warned that fast “snatch and grab” crimes can happen when security awareness is low during arrivals.
Police added that the investigation relied heavily on CCTV footage and phone data analysis. These tools helped track the suspects’ movements before and after the theft. Officers said they continue to monitor similar criminal groups operating around major transport stations in London and other cities.
