A family of robbers who stole more than £1.2 million, including one at Alexander Isaac’s home in April 2024, have been sentenced and ordered to pay back nominal compensation.
A family of robbers who stole more than £1.2 million worth of goods during operations including a strike on Alexander Isaac’s home in April 2024 have been ordered to pay back £1 each. The four robbers were named brothers Valentino and Giacomo Nikolov, sister Jela Jovanovic and son Charlie Jovanovic.
The Italian family visited the north-east of England in March 2024, and Newcastle Crown Court heard how they arrived by ferry in a Citroen C3. The campervan was then used to scout targets and plan robberies in the area, starting from a house in Newcastle on March 31st.
More than £1 million worth of items were stolen that night, while the homeowner was away on holiday, including designer clothing, jewellery, and an Order of the British Empire medal. The next night they did it again in South Tyneside, stealing a further £100,000 worth of goods.
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The foursome then scouted Newcastle United’s training ground before planning a robbery at Alexander Isaac’s house. On April 4, they stole a Forward Audi RS6, jewelery and cash, with all items taken during the attack valued at £198,000.
The court then heard from Dan Cody, prosecuting, how Isaac left his home between 4pm and 10pm on the day of the robbery and returned to see the bins removed and the break-in carried out. The gang claims they broke into the TV room before stealing valuables.
Isaac’s Audi was later found abandoned by a civilian. All four robbers were subsequently arrested on April 13 in Birmingham on charges of conspiracy to commit robbery.
Prosecutors described the family as “professional itinerant robbers” who planned to raid their homes while in the Northeast.
This included using the number plate of a stolen car to hide the number plate of the Citroen C3 used in the robbery, and was also wearing a mask and gloves.
Only Valentino Nikolov denied the charges, as all three other family members had pleaded guilty. The four were sentenced to six to 10 years in prison earlier this year.
Very little money was recovered in the proceeds of the criminal trial at Newcastle Crown Court. Zera Jovanovic and her brothers Valentino Nikolov and Giacomo Nikolov were ordered to repay a nominal fee of £1.
The three were found to have no assets or money that could be seized. Charlie Jovanovic had to pay £1,135.50 seized by police.
The family recovered £1.2 million worth of items during the robbery in the North East, but the value is based on items the victims claim were missing.
Judge Robert Spragg said if it turns out the family has assets in the future, prosecutors could start a new proceeding to cover the outstanding criminal monies.
