Former football legend Edgar Davids is in the middle of a troubling situation after discovering a longtime friend and ex-girlfriend allegedly stole pieces from his art collection worth £188,000. The case has now gone to court.
What Happened
- The person involved is Nabila Habiby, 38, who was trusted by Davids to look after his art while he moved residences.
- Between 2014 and 2016, she is accused of stealing 37 pieces of modern art from Davids’ mansion in Hadley Wood, then pawning them off at various pawn brokers.
- She reportedly obtained only £31,500 in loans using these artworks as collateral, far less than their actual value.
- Davids only realized the theft years later when he was contacted by a buyer in Hong Kong who had purchased one of the paintings—not knowing it was stolen.
Legal Action & What’s Next
- Nabila Habiby has pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud; additional theft charges remain on file.
- Her sentencing is scheduled for November 2025. She was warned that because of the abuse of trust, she could face prison time.
- Davids, now based in Dubai, was prepared to testify via video link—but since Habiby’s guilty plea, testimony wasn’t required.
Why It’s a Big Deal
- Breach of trust: The theft came from someone close, who was expected to safeguard Davids’ property.
- Delayed discovery: The fact that it only came to light years later amplifies how cleverly the art was moved, pawned, and kept hidden.
- Value vs. payout: The stolen art’s true value is far greater than what was gained from pawning—raising questions about how victims can recover losses.
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