YouTuber Ben Phillips has shared details of a 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 his property while he was alone. According to Phillips, the gang stole approximately £1.4 million ($1.8 million) worth of luxury watches, jewellery, luggage and other expensive items.According to reports, the incident occurred on June 2 when Phillips was staying at the villa with his girlfriend Lowri Clark and friends. Everyone else had gone out to dinner, leaving Phillips alone at home. French authorities have since arrested five suspects in connection with the robbery and placed them in pretrial detention while investigations continue.
Armed intruders stormed villa and five suspects arrested, Ben Phillips says
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 walking around the house. However, when he looked outside his bedroom, he said he saw five masked, armed intruders inside the villa.Phillips claimed the group rushed toward him and forced their way into the room. He said one of the robbers pointed a gun at him and demanded money and a safe. The intruders then searched the property and collected valuables including Rolex watches, jewelry, Louis Vuitton luggage and items belonging to the villa owners and the Phillips Group.Phillips said in an Instagram Story that the robber covered his head and tried to pull the trigger. He claimed the weapon jammed, allowing him to survive the encounter. Phillips later told the media he managed to knock the gun away and escape into the bathroom.The robbery triggered a massive police response, with reports that around 50 armed officers and forensic investigators attended the scene. French authorities subsequently arrested five people, including three men and two women, in connection with the case.Police also said a man suspected of handling some of the stolen property was caught trying to resell luxury goods. The suspect has been handed over to prosecutors and remains in pretrial detention while the investigation continues.The case has attracted widespread attention online due to Phillips’ popularity and the dramatic details he shared. While the investigation is ongoing, Phillips said he is grateful to be alive after his horrific ordeal.
