Belgian Barber Victimized by Gang in London Cryptocurrency Heist
A Belgian barber, Quentin Cepeljac, fell prey to a gang in London that used a honey trap scheme to lure him, wrongly believing he possessed £500,000 in cryptocurrency. Known for providing hairstyling services to professional football players, Cepeljac was held captive for nine hours at an Airbnb in West London while the assailants attempted to extort money from him. Realizing he had far less than they anticipated, they coerced him into transferring £2,000 from his bank account and surrendering an additional £300 in cash. Four individuals involved in the crime—Adlan Haji, 28, Alexander Khalil, 30, Omar Sharif, 24, and Davina Raaymakers, 20—pleaded guilty to charges of blackmail and are now awaiting sentencing.
Deceptive Invitation Leads to Violent Confrontation
Raaymakers, who identified Cepeljac as a potential target through TikTok, spent several months messaging him before inviting him to London for a weekend stay. On May 5 of last year, Cepeljac arrived at the Airbnb, mistakenly believing it was Raaymakers’s family residence. Instead, he was confronted by Haji, Khalil, and Sharif, who physically assaulted him while demanding access to his supposed cryptocurrency wealth. The Isleworth Crown Court was informed that Cepeljac was confined in an en-suite bathroom, where Haji threatened him with a machete.
Threats and Intimidation During Captivity
Prosecutor Nicholas Dunham recounted the chilling details of the incident, stating that weapons were brandished, with Haji holding a machete to Cepeljac’s throat while the others threatened him with knives. The court heard that the assailants made it clear they intended to harm him if he did not comply. In his vulnerable state, being in an unfamiliar country without support, Cepeljac was effectively held hostage for the entire duration, with his valuables, including Cartier glasses and a Louis Vuitton wallet, stolen during the ordeal.
Escape and Aftermath of the Ordeal
After demanding that Cepeljac call a friend in Belgium for additional funds, the friend alerted Belgian authorities, prompting a response from UK police. Following his release, Cepeljac was sent home in a taxi. Upon reaching the departure lounge, he disclosed the events to officers, who then located the abandoned Airbnb where he had been held. Raaymakers reportedly tried to dissuade him from contacting law enforcement, claiming they would retaliate if he did so.
Investigation and Arrest of the Gang
Using CCTV footage, phone records, and information linked to the Airbnb booking, police managed to identify and apprehend the suspects three months later, on August 15. In a victim impact statement presented in court, Cepeljac described the traumatic experience, revealing that he suffered not only physical bruises but also significant psychological distress. He reported experiencing flashbacks and anxiety, prompting him to seek psychiatric assistance.
Long-lasting Effects on Mental Health and Career
Cepeljac articulated the profound impact the incident had on his life, stating that his trust in others has been severely affected and that he now feels anxious about daily activities, including returning to London. He has had to cancel numerous hairdressing appointments, leading to financial strain on his business. The fear of potential retribution from his captors has left him hesitant about testifying against them in court, adding to his overall distress.
Charges and Future Sentencing
While Haji, Khalil, Sharif, and Raaymakers denied the charges of kidnapping and false imprisonment, these allegations have been set aside for now. Recorder Nicola Shannon, presiding over the case, has remanded the defendants in custody, indicating that they can expect a substantial custodial sentence at their upcoming hearing on September 5.
