Overview
- The defendant, Nabila Habiby, did not appear at Wood Green Crown Court on Friday and the judge adjourned sentencing to September 23, 2026.
- Habiby told her defence she was struck on the head by a piece of luggage en route to the airport and suffered a concussion, but the judge said medical evidence from Belgium was inadequate and ordered a full report.
- Habiby pleaded guilty in September 2025 to two counts of fraud and faces a possible sentence of up to 34 months in prison.
- Court reporting says Habiby obtained about £31,500 by pawning 37 works from Edgar Davids's private collection, which is valued at roughly £188,000, and around 25 pieces remain missing after sales to international buyers.
- The case highlights how pawnbroking and cross-border resale can complicate recovery of misappropriated art and prolong justice for owners still seeking return or compensation.