Judge Grants Burglar Time to Locate £24K Wine Heist Stash

A pedicab driver, Iuliu Kubola, has been directed by a judge to assist law enforcement in recovering stolen wine valued at nearly £24,000 from a London restaurant. The incident unfolded on June 6, when Kubola was seen on CCTV using a wheelie bin to transport 73 bottles of wine from the cellar of Piazza Italiana, located on Threadneedle Street, to his pedicab.

In court, defense attorney Daisy Kell-Jones informed that the 61-year-old defendant was aware of the wine’s location and expressed a strong desire for its return. The judge, Mark Lucraft KC, postponed Kubola’s sentencing until November 3, allowing him time to fulfill his promise to help find the stolen goods.

Kubola had previously pled guilty to this burglary as well as to three additional burglary charges. In early May, he stole bottles of wine valued at approximately £6,000, along with £200 in cash, from Comptoir Cafe and Wine in Mayfair. He continued his illegal activities at the Oliveto restaurant in Belgravia and returned to Piazza Italiana on June 15, where he pilfered £680 worth of wine and £55 in cash.

Following his arrest on June 22 near Piazza Italiana, investigators found an angle grinder, spanner, screwdriver, and crowbars in his pedicab, alongside bottles of alcohol. During questioning, Kubola brazenly claimed, "Wine is to drink, no?"

Kell-Jones noted that Kubola had once worked at two of the targeted restaurants and claimed he resorted to theft out of frustration over unpaid wages, choosing to "take the salary for himself" instead of requesting payment formally.

The prosecution sought a compensation order for £31,393.20 to cover the losses incurred by the restaurant due to the theft and any associated damages. The judge expressed hope that Kubola’s cooperation could lead to the recovery of a significant portion of the stolen wine. Kubola is expected to return to court on November 3 for his sentencing.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

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