Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak fell victim to a sophisticated burglary operation, with thieves stealing his car and £68,000 worth of jewellery, a court heard on Wednesday.
The Swedish international was not at his Northumberland home when a gang, described as a “professional group of travelling burglars,” broke in through a glass door in April last year.
Newcastle Crown Court was told that the criminals had previously stolen over £1 million in valuables from a businesswoman and £100,000 in designer goods from another victim.
Three members of the same family, residing in Italy, have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary, while a fourth suspect, 32-year-old Valentino Nikolov, denies the charge.
Prosecutor Dan Cordey stated that Isak left his house on April 4th between 16:00 and 22:00 BST and discovered the break-in upon his return.
The burglars ransacked his TV room, stealing between £5,000 and £10,000 in cash, jewellery worth around £68,000, and his Audi, which was later found abandoned. CCTV footage captured the break-in.
The gang reportedly entered the UK via ferry from Calais to Dover in March, using a motorhome as their base. Nikolov, representing himself in court, requires an Italian interpreter.
Meanwhile, his brother Giacomo Nikolov, sister Jela Jovanovic, and nephew Charlie Jovanovic have admitted their involvement in the crimes.
Isak, who has been a key player for Newcastle this season with 22 goals in all competitions, is preparing for the League Cup final against Liverpool at Wembley on March 16th.
