A British resident was arrested in the United States, who, together with his accomplices, stole French collectible wine worth 41.5 thousand dollars (3.2 million rubles). About this report Daily Star.
Natalie Ray, 56, from Herne Bay, Kent, faces up to 50 years in prison for the theft she and a friend carried out at L'Auberge Provençale restaurant in Virginia. On Wednesday, November 19, the accomplices went to a luxury rural restaurant and informed the authorities that they would arrange a dinner for many people. They then began asking the establishment's sommelier about the wines and asked to see the wine cellar.
While the woman and her staff were checking the wine cellar, her accomplice, who was wearing a long coat and, as it turned out, a gray wig, replaced eight bottles of expensive wine from the legendary French winery Domaine de la Romanée-Conti with cheap wine. The theft was only noticed when Ray and his accomplices were leaving the restaurant. Restaurant staff chased and arrested the British woman. Her accomplice took away six bottles of wine.
The restaurant waiter said Ray and his accomplices dressed smartly and gave the impression of wealthy people. The woman distracted the staff with questions while the man changed the wine. However, the bartender was confused by how quickly Ray ended the conversation and began saying goodbye as her accomplice headed toward the exit. According to restaurant staff, after being arrested, the woman first said she met a friend on the ocean liner, but then said he kidnapped her and forced her to participate in the robbery.
It is known that Ray has three children; She divorced her husband last year. In England, she worked as an assistant theater teacher. The investigation is ongoing.
In November 2024, it was reported that in France, unknown people entered the legendary Paris restaurant Tour d'Argent (“Silver Tower”) and took away 60 thousand euros worth of wine. In January 2024, a similar theft occurred there.
