Wine merchant targeted in London burglary

Wine theft investigation in London

According to an article published on 28 July 2025 by Thedrinksbusiness, a 61-year-old pedicab driver has pleaded guilty to a series of burglaries targeting a wine merchant in London. The perpetrator, identified as Iuliu Kubola, admitted to stealing 73 bottles of fine wine valued at £24,000 from a restaurant located on Threadneedle Street on 6 May 2025.

Thedrinksbusiness reports that the suspect utilized an unusual method to transport the stolen goods, loading the wine into a wheelie bin attached to his tuk-tuk. CCTV footage later linked the individual to further offences on 15 and 19 June, during which he stole additional bottles worth approximately £680. Beyond the value of the wine, the burglaries resulted in £1,425 in property damage, including repairs to locks and an external door.

Kubola was arrested on 22 June after being spotted by police near Cornhill and is scheduled to be sentenced in September. City of London Police officials emphasized that all reports of commercial break-ins are investigated thoroughly to secure evidence and support affected business owners. Business owners are encouraged to ensure all entry points are reinforced and security systems are regularly maintained to deter unauthorized access.

Source : Thedrinksbusiness