YouTuber Ben Phillips has shared details of the horrific robbery that took place 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 approximately £1.4 million (about $1.8 million) worth of luxury watches, jewellery, accessories and other expensive items.The incident reportedly occurred on June 2 when Phillips was staying at the villa with his girlfriend Lori Clark and friends. The others had gone out to dinner, leaving Phillips alone on the property. French authorities have arrested five suspects in connection with the robbery and are holding them in pre-trial detention pending the investigation.
Ben Phillips says armed intruders stormed villa before arrest of five suspects
According to Phillips, the robbery began around 11:30 p.m. when he heard a noise upstairs. At first he thought it must be a sweeper roaming around the house. However, when they looked outside the bedroom, they said they saw five masked and armed intruders inside the villa.Phillips claimed the group ran towards him and forced their way into the room. He said one of the robbers pointed a gun at him and demanded access to the safe along with the money. The intruders then searched the property and collected valuable items including Rolex watches, jewellery, Louis Vuitton luggage and goods belonging to both the villa owners and the Phillips Group.In an Instagram Story, Phillips said the robbers covered his head and attempted to pull the trigger of the gun. He claimed that the weapon jammed, preventing him from surviving the encounter. Phillips later told media outlets that he managed to grab the gun and run to the bathroom.The robbery led to a large police response, with reports that around 50 armed officers and forensic investigators attended the scene. French authorities later arrested five people, including three men and two women, in connection with the case.Police also said that a man suspected of handling part of the stolen property was caught while allegedly trying to resell the luxury goods. The suspects were presented to prosecutors and will remain in pre-trial detention while the investigation proceeds.The case has received considerable attention online due to Phillips’ popularity and the dramatic details he shared. While the investigation continues, Phillips said he is grateful to be alive after this terrible tragedy.