Loot Worth Millions

Automatic Draft

Following the jewelry theft at a Vienna museum, the suspects are on the run. The police are asking for tips.(Bild: Krone-Collage/LPD Wien, Hertha Hurnaus)

They entered a Vienna museum as visitors—and left with an immensely valuable necklace from the late 1930s. Following thespectacular jewelry theft in the city center, police released photos of the two suspects overnight. A major manhunt was underway. Investigators are hoping for tips from the public—the value of the loot is likely in the millions.

Numerous law enforcement officers were on the move throughout the city center well into the evening as part of the manhunt for the suspects. The Federal Criminal Police Office’s Cultural Property Investigation Unit was also called in.

The two men are alleged to have smashed a glass display case with a hammer at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK) in downtown Vienna around 2:00 p.m. on Thursday and removed the exhibit from it. The suspects then fled with the piece of jewelry.

It is believed to have been a “contract job”—according to reports, it is likely a targeted heist carried out by a group based in the Balkans. Video footage from the area around the MAK is currently being analyzed.

The suspects are both between 170 and 175 cm tall and have a slender build, ...(Bild: LPD Wien)

... dark hair, dark beards, black outerwear, and dark sneakers with white soles.(Bild: LPD Wien)

Does anyone recognize these men?
The police are now asking for tips regarding the two suspects. Information about the stolen necklace may also be important to investigators. Relevant tips—including anonymous ones—should be directed to the Vienna State Criminal Police Office at 01-31310-33800. Anyone who recognizes one of the men or can provide information on the whereabouts of the stolen necklace should therefore contact the police directly.

Jewelry from the Van Cleef Exhibition
According to the investigation so far, the two men initially entered the museum “like normal visitors.” Their interest was focused on the current exhibition “Masterpieces,” which features jewelry by Van Cleef & Arpels as well as objects from the MAK collection.

In addition to the suspects, a frantic search is now underway for this necklace.(Bild: LPD Wien)

In total, the exhibition comprises around 500 pieces—more than 300 of which are from Van Cleef & Arpels, and over 200 from the museum’s collection.

A jewel from the Egyptian royal family
As the “Krone” previously reported, the stolen piece is one-of-a-kind, with estimates of its value reaching up to five million euros—featuring 673 diamonds and 200 carats...

According to an inscription on the museum’s glass wall, the piece was commissioned by the Egyptian royal family. It was reportedly worn by Egyptian Queen Nazli in 1939 at the wedding of her daughter Fawzia to the Iranian Crown Prince and later Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.

MAK Remains Open, “Masterpieces” Do Not
The museum remains open, with the exception of the affected exhibition, officials said in the evening. However, it is expected that this exhibition will also be accessible to visitors again shortly. Thanks to security personnel and the police, the incident was brought under control, and no one was injured.

Recalling the Spectacular Saliera Theft
In any case, the latest heist brings back memories of one of Austria’s most famous art thefts: On May 11, 2003, Benvenuto Cellini’sfamous Salierawas stolen from the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna. At the time, the perpetrator had climbed onto the museum grounds via a construction scaffold.

The golden salt shaker was later recovered. The thief turned himself in and was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison. The Saliera was given special security measures following the theft.