Jewellery theft at Vienna's MAK: Collar of Egyptian royal family stolen
Two men smashed a glass display case at Vienna's MAK and stole a one-of-a-kind collar with 673 diamonds. Police are searching and appealing for information.
Major manhunt following jewel theft at Museum of Applied Arts
Two men entered the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK) in Vienna's city centre on Thursday at around 2 p.m. as ordinary visitors – and left with a collar from the late 1930s, estimated to be worth up to five million euros. According to the Kronen Zeitung, the perpetrators smashed a glass display case with a hammer and then stole the exhibition piece before fleeing.
That night, police released images of the two suspects and launched a major manhunt. Numerous officers were deployed throughout the city centre into the evening. The cultural property task force of the Federal Criminal Police Office was also brought in.
Targeted raid by Balkan-based group suspected
Based on current investigation findings, this is believed to be a "contract job". According to reports, a group based in the Balkans is thought to be behind the theft. Video recordings around the MAK are currently being analysed.
The stolen piece is part of the current exhibition "Showstoppers", which features jewellery by Van Cleef & Arpels as well as objects from the MAK collection. The exhibition comprises approximately 500 items in total – more than 300 from Van Cleef & Arpels, and over 200 from the museum's own holdings.
Historic one-of-a-kind piece with 673 diamonds and 200 carats
According to the inscription on the display case, the stolen collar is a one-of-a-kind piece that was designed for the Egyptian royal family. It was worn by Queen Nazli in 1939, on the occasion of her daughter Fawzia's wedding to Iranian Crown Prince and later Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. The piece features 673 diamonds and 200 carats.
Police appeal for information from the public
Police are appealing to the public for any relevant information regarding the two suspects and the whereabouts of the stolen collar. Information can be reported – even anonymously – to the Vienna State Criminal Police Office on 01-31310-33800.
The MAK remains open except for the affected exhibition "Showstoppers". The museum stated in the evening that it assumes this exhibition will also be accessible again shortly. No one was injured in the incident.
Reminder of the 2003 Saliera theft
The heist recalls one of Austria's most famous art thefts: on 11 May 2003, the famous Saliera by Benvenuto Cellini was stolen from Vienna's Kunsthistorisches Museum. The perpetrator had entered via scaffolding at the time, later turned himself in and was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison. The golden salt cellar was recovered and subsequently given special security.
Source: Kronen Zeitung