In brief
Two men burst into the Vienna Museum of Applied Arts in the afternoon and shattered the glass case holding a platinum and diamond necklace designed for the former Egyptian royal family. The necklace, valued at more than $4 million, was taken in a swift and violent act that has prompted an international manhunt. Vienna police have released CCTV footage of the suspects and urged the public to come forward with any information, as a dog unit and forensic experts chase clues across the city.
Thieves steal 600‑diamond necklace from Vienna museum in broad daylight
An international manhunt is underway after two men breached the Vienna Museum of Applied Arts (MAK) by smashing a glass display case. The suspects seized the platinum and diamond necklace—an item originally created for Egypt’s former royal family—and fled towards the Vienna Stadtpark, carrying what appeared to be a real firearm.
The necklace, one of the highlights of a Van Cleave & Arpels exhibition running until September, weighs more than 200 carats of diamond. Its historical significance dates back to 1939, when it was worn by Queen Nazli at the marriage of her daughter to the future Shah of Iran.
Police released CCTV footage and images of the suspects, urging anyone with information to contact authorities. A dog unit has been dispatched throughout Vienna and Lower Austria while forensic teams analyse the evidence.
Speaking to the press, Lilli Hollein, MAK’s general director, noted that the museum had instituted a comprehensive security plan with Van Cleef & Arpels and that staff reacted calmly, following established protocols. She added that the theft may signal the rise of organised cultural property crime across Europe.
How to help: If you recognise the suspects or have seen suspicious activity near the museum, please reach out to Vienna Police at the number listed in the official press release or via the city’s online reporting portal.
Update: The exhibition has reopened for visitors, now missing the stolen necklace, as investigators continue to track the culprits.
