YouTuber Ben Phillips shared details of a terrifying robbery that occurred at a luxury villa in Cannes, France. The Welsh content creator said he was threatened by armed robbers who broke into the property while he was alone.
According to Phillips, the group stole luxury watches, jewellery, luggage and other expensive items worth around £1.4 million (about $1.8 million).The incident reportedly occurred on June 2 while Phillips was staying at the villa with his girlfriend, Lori Clark, and friends. The others had gone out to dinner, leaving Phillips alone at the hotel. Since then, French authorities have arrested five suspects in connection with the robbery and placed them in pretrial detention as the investigation continues.
Ben Phillips says armed intruders stormed the villa before five suspects were arrested
According to Phillips, the robbery began around 11:30 p.m. when he heard a noise upstairs. At first, he thought it might be a cleaner moving around the house. However, when he looked outside the bedroom, he said he saw five masked and armed men inside the villa.
Phillips claimed the group lunged at him and forced their way into the room. He said one of the robbers pointed a gun at him and demanded money as well as access to the safe.
The intruders then searched the property and collected valuables, including Rolex watches, jewellery, Louis Vuitton luggage and property belonging to both the villa owners and the Phillips Group.In an Instagram story, Phillips said the robbers covered his head and tried to pull the trigger of the gun. He claimed the weapon malfunctioned, allowing him to survive the encounter. Phillips later told the media that he was able to put the gun away and escape to the bathroom.The robbery sparked a large police response, with around 50 armed officers and forensic investigators reportedly attending the scene. Later, the French authorities arrested five people, including three men and two women, in connection with the case.Police also said a man suspected of handling part of the stolen property while trying to resell luxury items was arrested. The suspects were brought before the Public Prosecution and remain in pre-trial detention while the investigation moves forward.The case has attracted significant attention online due to Phillips’ popularity and the dramatic details he shared. While the investigation is still ongoing, Phillips said he is grateful to be alive after the horrific ordeal.
