Smirnoff heiress denies ‘fake bailiff ’ theft plot
A VODKA heiress has denied hiring a fake bailiff to take valuables from her former husband’s home.
Marinika Smirnova, a model and reality TV star whose family founded the Smirnoff empire, won the Mrs Russia beauty contest in 2008 and has been pictured with stars such as actors Johnny Depp and Jonathan Rhys Meyers, as well as gaining a host of followers on social media through the glamorous photographs she posts.
The 34-year-old allegedly hired Robin Murray, 28, to take property worth £2,000 from Sergei Windsor’s home in Chelsea, west London.
Mr Windsor, also known as Sergey Kapchuk, is a former deputy in the Sverdlovsk region of Russia. Mr Murray is said to have entered Mr Windsor’s home in Flood Street on May 31 last year with documents stating he was a court bailiff.
He allegedly took two Apple Macs, a Samsung television, a watch, a printer, and an audio recorder with a combined value of £2,000.
Smirnova, of Kensington, denied conspiracy to commit fraud when she appeared at Isleworth Crown Court. Mr Murray earlier denied burglary and fraud. The pair have been bailed ahead of their trial on November 13.
Prosecutor Henry Fitch told an earlier hearing: “Miss Smirnova obtained a court judgment against her ex-husband, requiring him to pay her money.
“She conspired with Robin Murray to try to get the money. Murray went to the address with an accomplice and they produced papers and applications showing they were from the courts. They entered the property of the complainant and took a number of items.”