In a stunning court ruling that has left victims questioning the justice system, members of an Italian criminal family have been ordered to pay back just £1 each after stealing over £1.2 million worth of goods, including nearly £200,000 from Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak.
The Million-Pound Burglary Spree
The sophisticated criminal operation involved four family members: Valentino Nikolov, Giacomo Nikolov, their sister Jela Jovanovic, and her son Charlie Jovanovic. According to court proceedings at Newcastle Crown Court, the gang specifically targeted high-value properties during their crime spree in April 2024.
Their most notable heist occurred at Alexander Isak's Northumberland mansion in the upscale Darras Hall area. During this brazen burglary, the thieves made off with £10,000 in cash, jewellery valued at £68,000, and the footballer's Audi RS6 worth £120,000. The stolen vehicle was later discovered abandoned in nearby Dissington.
International Criminal Enterprise
Court documents reveal the gang's methodical approach to their criminal activities. The four burglars had arrived in the United Kingdom in March via ferry from Calais to Dover, traveling in a Citroen C3 and a Ford motorhome that served as their mobile base of operations.
Their crime spree wasn't limited to Isak's property. Police confirmed the gang raided two other homes on different nights, bringing their total stolen goods value to over £1 million across multiple victims. The coordinated nature of their operations suggested careful planning and targeting of wealthy individuals.
Shocking Court Ruling and Sentencing
Despite the massive scale of their crimes, a proceeds of crime hearing at Newcastle Crown Court delivered a surprising verdict. Valentino Nikolov, Giacomo Nikolov, and Jela Jovanovic were each ordered to repay just £1 to their victims, while Charlie Jovanovic was directed to return £1,135.
The minimal repayment orders stemmed from the court's determination that three of the four defendants had no money or assets available for confiscation. Charlie Jovanovic was the only family member found to have any financial means for restitution.
Judge Robert Spragg addressed the unusual ruling by noting that should any of the defendants acquire assets in the future, prosecutors could initiate new proceedings to 'satisfy the amount outstanding'. This provision offers some hope for victims seeking eventual compensation.
The burglars had already been sentenced to prison terms ranging between six and ten years during their May sentencing hearing. However, the minimal financial restitution has raised questions about the effectiveness of the justice system in dealing with professional criminals who effectively hide their assets.
This case highlights the challenges authorities face in recovering stolen property and funds from organized criminal groups who operate across international borders and maintain minimal traceable assets.
