Man Charged with Theft of Rare £150,000 Violin from London Pub
A man has been formally charged with theft following the alleged theft of a rare violin valued at £150,000 from a north London pub. The antique instrument, crafted in Florence in 1740, was on loan to violinist David Ibanez for his performances with the prestigious Philharmonia Orchestra.
Details of the Alleged Theft
Ahmed Sami Madour, aged 46, is accused of stealing the violin from Mr Ibanez's side while the musician was dining with a friend at the Marquess Tavern on Canonbury Street in Islington. The incident reportedly occurred on February 18, 2025. According to court documents, Madour, who has no fixed address but is from Leytonstone in east London, faces two separate counts of theft. On the same day as the violin theft, he is also alleged to have stolen a guitar worth £4,000 in Hackney.
Police Investigation and Court Proceedings
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that Madour was charged on January 19, 2026, and appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court last week. His trial has been scheduled for May 10, 2027. Madour entered not guilty pleas to both theft charges and was released on unconditional bail pending trial. The police reported that the theft of the violin was officially reported on February 18, 2025, and Madour was arrested on June 25, 2025, on suspicion of theft before being released on bail during further inquiries.
Significance of the Stolen Violin
At the time of the alleged theft, PC Michael Collins from the Met's local policing team in Camden emphasized the instrument's immense value. "The victim, who is a member of London's Philharmonia Orchestra, has told us the piece is worth more than £150,000 and was made in Florence in 1740," he stated. "It is incredibly precious, and for the victim, it's priceless." The violin's historical and musical significance adds a layer of gravity to the case, highlighting the emotional and financial impact on the musician.
This case underscores ongoing concerns about theft of high-value items in public spaces, with authorities continuing to investigate and prosecute such incidents rigorously.
