Isak Burglars Ordered to Repay Just £1 Each from £1.2 Million Thefts

Burglary suspects
Charlie Jovanovic confessed to their involvement in the crimes

Members of an Italy-based clan of burglars who stole more than £1.2 million worth of goods, including from ex- Newcastle United striker Isak, have been mandated to pay back only £1 each.

Siblings Valentino Nikolov and Giacomo, their female sibling Jela and her son Charlie Jovanovic journeyed to the north-east of England to burgle multiple homes in spring 2024.

The group of four were imprisoned for between a decade or less in 2025.

At a criminal assets proceeding at the court, Jela and the brothers Nikolov were instructed to pay back £1 per person while Charlie must pay £1,135.

Details of the Break-ins

The court was told the group arrived by ferry in the UK on March 27, 2024 and used a RV as their "headquarters", which they stationed at Scotch Corner and Durham service stations while utilizing a separate vehicle to scout out properties and execute thefts.

On March 31 they took over one million pounds of goods such as high-end fashion, purses, jewellery and a honor from a residence on Clayton Road in Jesmond, while the owners were away.

Valentino Nikolov
Valentino was the sole member of the foursome to deny burglary but was convicted by jurors

The following night, the crew entered a home on a gated cul-de-sac in Whitburn, and took luxury bags, valuables and shoes valued at over one hundred thousand pounds.

After scouting out Newcastle United's training ground for 48 hours, they then acted at the home of Sweden striker Mr Isak in Darras Hall, Ponteland on April 4, taking ten thousand pounds in money, sixty-eight thousand pounds valued of jewelry and the striker's £120,000 luxury car.

The group, who were portrayed by the prosecution as professional touring thieves, used hand coverings and face coverings, switched their mobile devices on silent as they approached their targets and attached a number plate, which had been stolen from a auto shop in a town, on to their car with rubber straps.

They were arrested in the Birmingham area on April 13.

Alexander Isak's home
Burglars took cash and jewelry worth eighty thousand pounds and an car from then-Newcastle United striker Isak's home

Court Hearings and Rulings

Valentino Nikolov had denied the burglary plot but was convicted by jurors, while his three relations had all entered admissions to the identical accusation.

At the proceeds of crime hearing, prosecutor the prosecution said each of the defendants had benefited from their crimes to the amount of £1,266,285.93, which was based on what the victims said they had had stolen.

But Charlie was the only one deemed to have any money that could be "recovered", namely over a thousand pounds which had previously been confiscated by authorities, the judge heard, with 14 days to be spent in jail if he failed to pay.

The other three had no money or property so were directed to pay a token amount of £1 each, with one week in incarceration the result if the sum was not paid.

The judge Spragg said if they were found with property in the coming years, "for example operating Italy in a fast car or possessing a property", the prosecution could seek further action to "recover the sum due".

Connie Harper
Connie Harper

A Berlin-based journalist specializing in European politics and digital media trends, with over a decade of experience in investigative reporting.