Romanian Tuk-Tuk Driver Admits £31K Wine Theft in London Burglaries

Iuliu Kubola, a 61-year-old tuk-tuk driver from Islington, London, admitted to six burglaries targeting high-end restaurants in Mayfair, Belgravia, and the City of London, stealing around £31,000 worth of fine wine and champagne. The thefts involved multiple incidents where Kubola stole bottles of wine and cash from tills, and caused damage to property, including locks and doors. He was caught on CCTV and arrested while riding his pedicab, some stolen wine already recovered from his possession. During a court hearing at the Old Bailey, Judge Mark Lucraft KC deferred Kubola's sentencing to allow him two weeks to return the stolen wine and assist police in recovering the remainder. Kubola reportedly told police that he intended to drink the wine he had stolen, which he described as a reckless decision driven by not being paid rather than confronting restaurant owners. The case highlights the challenge of recovering high-value stolen goods and the court's willingness to give the defendant a chance to make amends before sentencing.