An Italian family responsible for a series of high-value burglaries across northern England—including the theft of nearly £200,000 worth of property from Liverpool striker Alexander Isak—has been ordered to repay only token amounts after a court ruled they have no recoverable assets.
According to findings reported by the BBC, Valentino and Giacomo Nikolov, their sister Jela Jovanovic, and her son Charlie Jovanovic carried out multiple break-ins shortly after entering the UK via ferry from Calais in March 2024. The group used a Citroën C3 and a Ford motorhome to travel around the region while searching for homes to target.
One of their most significant burglaries occurred in April 2024 at Isak’s home in Darras Hall, Northumberland. Investigators confirmed the gang stole £10,000 in cash, jewellery valued at £68,000, and the footballer’s Audi RS6 worth £120,000. The stolen vehicle was later found abandoned in Dissington, a village nearby.
Police say the gang also raided at least two additional homes on separate nights, bringing the total value of stolen goods from all victims to more than £1 million.
All four were jailed in May, receiving sentences ranging from six to ten years. However, during a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing at Newcastle Crown Court, the three older defendants were each ordered to repay just £1 because they were found to have no available funds or assets. Charlie Jovanovic, the youngest of the group, was ordered to return £1,135—the maximum amount the court determined he could pay.
Judge Robert Spragg noted that the minimal repayment orders do not erase the outstanding amounts, meaning prosecutors can reopen proceedings if any of the defendants are found to possess assets in the future.
The investigation remains part of a broader effort by Northumbria Police to address organised burglary groups travelling into the UK to target high-value homes.
Source:Africa Publicity
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