Abdallah Diaby, a 21-year-old model, has been arrested and charged in connection with a high-end boutique robbery that took place in Manhattan’s exclusive SoHo neighborhood. The robbery, which took place on December 1, 2025, involved a group of suspects who allegedly executed a well-planned robbery and made off with valuable designer items within five minutes. Diaby and his associates are now facing serious charges related to theft.
What happened:
According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), Diaby, who was previously represented by modeling agency TWO MGMT, was taken into custody on February 19, 2026 and charged with grand theft, burglary and criminal possession of stolen property. The robbery took place at 4GSeller, a private high-end boutique known for its exclusive showroom appointments and expensive merchandise.
At approximately 4:10 a.m. on December 1, a group of four suspects disguised as construction workers reportedly entered the boutique in a silver Ford SUV. Security footage from the store shows the suspects carrying high-end merchandise including Saint Laurent jackets, Chrome Hearts items and custom-made designer items. According to the boutique’s owner, Tommy Macari, the group managed to clear the store of merchandise in a quick and coordinated four-minute operation.
“They were in and out of the store in four and a half minutes,” Macri said. “They knew exactly what they were looking for, and they were gone before the police arrived.” Despite the dramatic nature of the robbery, the NYPD responded quickly, arriving only 91 seconds after the suspects had left the scene.
Diaby’s arrest and legal proceedings:
Diaby appeared in Manhattan Criminal Court on 19 February, where he pleaded innocent to the charges against him. He was released on supervision without bail, and his next court appearance is scheduled for March 18. The NYPD has confirmed that an intensive investigation into the robbery is ongoing, with remaining suspects still being pursued.
Impact on community and boutiques:
The robbery has left an indelible mark on the 4Gseller community, as area residents have expressed concern over the suspects’ knowledge of the store’s valuable, yet discreetly advertised inventory. “They knew what they were looking for,” Macri said. The boutique, which prides itself on its private, appointment-only service, was targeted for its high-end merchandise that is not generally available to the public.
Local residents who heard the commotion during the robbery also shared their shock. “We woke up to a crashing sound,” said Guy Storey, a resident of the building above 4Gcellar. “We didn’t know what it was, but the noise was obvious.”
looking ahead:
As the case progresses, the community grapples with the implications of the high-profile robbery, while police continue their efforts to identify and capture the remaining suspects. The investigation also highlights the growing issue of targeted robberies of specific retail stores, raising concerns about security measures in high-end shopping areas.
For now, Abdalla Diaby’s legal team will prepare for his next court appearance, as he faces serious charges that could have major legal consequences if found guilty. Meanwhile, the close-knit community of 4Gseller is on alert, hoping for justice and seeking assurances that such an audacious robbery will not happen again.