Four French Men Charged with High-Profile Burglary Appear in Court
The ACT Magistrates Court has heard a case involving four French nationals charged with aggravated burglary and theft, with the total value of allegedly stolen luxury items, including designer watches and jewellery, now contested. This high-profile case revolves around the theft of more than $10 million worth of luxury goods from a residence in Canberra.
The defendants, identified as Ilyes Abdelkader, Mohamed Abdelkader, Mohamed Naimi, and Antoni Voisin, remain in custody following their arrest at a KFC restaurant in Sydney only four days after the crime. The case initially attracted attention due to the scale and intricacy of the alleged theft, which took place on October 15, 2022. Notably, among the stolen items was a Richard Mille watch, valued at over $5 million, further underscoring the high stakes involved in the case.
During the court proceedings, lawyers representing Ilyes and Mohamed Abdelkader indicated their clients are prepared to plead guilty, while the legal representative for Mohamed Naimi suggested a not guilty plea may be forthcoming. Specifically, the court addressed the complexity arising from disputes over the valuation of the stolen items, complicating pre-trial negotiations.
Some of the stolen goods have been recovered, with authorities locating them at a short-term rental property in Wentworthville, Sydney, while others have been traced back to France. However, a significant number of items remain unaccounted for, raising questions about the global dimension of this theft operation.
As the case continues to unfold, it is set to return to court on February 12 for further proceedings. The legal landscape may shift significantly in the coming weeks as new evidence and testimonials surface.
In a separate incident, a murder investigation has been launched following the death of a man named Wayne Reid in Coleraine, County Derry. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) reported that Reid, aged 43, was pronounced dead after an apparent altercation in the Society Court area on January 12, 2026. A 33-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in custody.
Detective Chief Inspector Hazel Miller stated that the police are working diligently to ascertain the circumstances leading to Reid's death and have urged anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant information to come forward. The PSNI is particularly interested in any activity that occurred in the Society Court or Society Street areas during the days leading up to the death, specifically between January 8 and January 10. This appeal for public assistance highlights the community's role in collaborative efforts to solve violent crimes.
In light of these interconnected legal matters, the varying dynamics of crime within both urban and regional contexts can be observed. The outcomes of these cases may have implications that ripple through the legal, economic, and social fabrics of their respective communities.
As investigations unfold in both cases, authorities continue to stress the importance of public awareness and engagement in community safety initiatives. #CrimeNews #LegalUpdates #CommunitySafety
