Malaysian Tycoon Targeted in Violent London Watch Robbery as Luxury Theft Wave Grows

A Malaysian billionaire was ambushed and robbed of his luxury Richard Mille watch in southwest London, in the latest high-profile incident amid a surge in violent street thefts targeting expensive timepieces.

Vinod Sekhar, 57, said he was attacked on 27 September outside his daughter’s home in Battersea by two men on Lime e-bikes who «smothered» him, struck him repeatedly and ripped the watch from his wrist. Sekhar, who is on post-transplant medication, said he was unable to fight back — but praised his wife, Winy Yeap, for charging at the robbers «like a lioness,» forcing them to flee.

One suspect, 34-year-old Djamel Benadda, has pleaded guilty to the robbery at Kingston Crown Court. He also admitted to separate theft offences and remains in custody ahead of sentencing.

Sekhar shared details of the attack on Facebook, urging visitors to London to avoid wearing high-value items. He said police responded within minutes and an officer warned that attempting to resist could have resulted in him being stabbed.

The robbery comes amid growing concern over luxury watch thefts in the capital. More than 5,000 high-end timepieces worth over £3,000 have been stolen since 2022, but only a fraction have been recovered. Recent cases include targets in Mayfair and Oxford Circus, prompting warnings from security experts and jewellers that London has become too dangerous for openly wearing premium watches.