The Green Vault museum at Dresden’s royal palace recently made headlines following a daring heist that saw the theft of a 49-carat diamond and several other priceless items. The stolen diamond, valued at up to $12 million, was just one of the many exquisite pieces taken from the museum. Among the stolen items are a diamond-encrusted sword and a shoulder piece featuring the renowned 49-carat Dresden white diamond.
The Dresden white diamond holds immense historical significance, having once been part of the esteemed collection of August the Strong, a former ruler of Saxony. Cut in the early 18th century, this diamond is considered a truly precious jewel. Experts believe its value to be in the range of $10 to $12 million, making it a prime target for thieves looking to cash in on its worth.
The robbery was meticulously executed in the early hours of a Monday morning, with the perpetrators strategically disabling security systems and breaking into the museum to access the valuable jewels. This calculated approach points to a well-planned operation carried out by individuals familiar with the museum layout and security procedures.
In the ongoing investigation, authorities have identified four suspects believed to be associated with a criminal organization. The case has generated widespread interest, with the public providing over 200 tips to aid the police in their search for the thieves. The similarities between this recent heist and the theft of a gold coin from Berlin’s Bode Museum in 2017 have raised concerns about the involvement of larger criminal networks in such high-profile thefts.
Despite previous arrests in the Berlin case, the stolen coin was never recovered, leaving uncertainties about the fate of the treasures taken from Dresden. The focus now is on recovering the stolen jewels to safeguard these invaluable cultural artifacts for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.
For more information on the Dresden heist and the ongoing investigation, visit BBC News.
To learn about the history and significance of the Dresden white diamond, check out Forbes.
