UK’s Biggest Burglary Gang Busted After £25 Million Heist in Kensington
Three Milan men have finally been caught after pulling off the largest residential burglary in UK history. Jugoslav Jovanovic, 24, Alessandro Maltese, 45, and Alessandro Donati, 44, pleaded guilty to a series of daring burglaries in Kensington and Chelsea during late 2019.
£25 Million Loot Stolen in 13 Days
Over a frantic 13-day spree, the trio hit three luxury homes, snatching approximately 400 items including jewels, designer bags, and a hefty £125,000 in cash. The total haul was valued at a staggering £25 million.
Detective Constable Andrew Payne from the Met’s elite Flying Squad revealed: “This was a highly sophisticated plot with one goal – to rob as much as possible and flee the UK with diamonds and cash.”
Jovanovic also admitted to conspiracy to commit money laundering last month. Sadly, most stolen items have never resurfaced, with many holding priceless sentimental value for victims.
Met Police Crack the Case with Stunning Forensics
The crime unravelled after Palace Green security staff disturbed a robbery in progress on 13 December 2019. CCTV footage showed Jovanovic acting as a lookout while Maltese, Donati, and an unidentified man broke in through the back.
The Met launched a painstaking probe, analyzing:
- Over 2,000 hours of video footage
- More than 1,000 taxi journeys in the area
- Travel routes between London Victoria Station and St Mary Cray
Despite suspects using unregistered Oyster cards to avoid detection, the team tracked them thanks to international police cooperation, including Italian authorities and Europol. DNA evidence sealed the case.
Fugitive Lifestyle Revealed – Shopping Sprees and Celebrations
Jovanovic didn’t hide his fortune well, splashing thousands at Harrods and even opening a store loyalty card. He even held a celebratory dinner in Knightsbridge after the second burglary.
All three fled to Italy post-raid but were arrested there thanks to the Met’s Extradition Unit. However, one key suspect remains at large.
Justice Served: Organised Crime Network Dismantled
DC Payne hailed the investigation as one of the Flying Squad’s biggest, crediting a team of 50 officers from various units and international partners. “This operation disrupted a major organised crime ring and prevented further offences across London and Europe.”
Andrew Hadik from the Crown Prosecution Service added: “These criminals targeted victims’ homes and stole not just cash but irreplaceable sentimental items. The overwhelming evidence forced them to plead guilty. We’re committed to bringing organised burglary gangs to justice.”
Londoners can breathe easier now, knowing such brazen thieves are behind bars – but police warn the hunt continues for the final suspect.
