Wales Online reports. The seven diamonds, including one worth £2.2 million, were to be placed in a padlocked purse and held in the New Bond Street store's vault until money was transferred.However, CCTV footage from the family firm's basement showroom captured the moment the purse was put into Lakatos' handbag and switched for a duplicate in seconds using "sleight of hand".Boodles boss Nicholas Wainwright had briefly left to talk on the phone to apparent Russian buyer "Alexander", who he had met over lunch at Monaco's Hotel Metropole.The jewellers' diamond expert, Emma Barton, raised suspicions but the diamonds - believed to have been concealed in a hidden compartment - were not found in Lakatos' handbag.She left the shop before switching.
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