Austrian police are searching for two men reportedly suspected of stealing a 200-carat platinum necklace encrusted with 673 diamonds during a daring smash-and-grab raid at a museum in Vienna. The piece, which once belonged to Egyptian royalty, had been on loan to the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK) in the Austrian capital at the time of the theft.
According to authorities, the necklace was snatched during regular opening hours, raising questions about security at the museum. Police released images of two suspects captured on security cameras during the heist, in the hope that the public might help identify them.
The theft is reportedly the latest in a string of spectacular smash-and-grab robberies targeting museums and cultural institutions, a trend that has alarmed curators and security experts across Europe. Officials have not yet disclosed further details about how the thieves gained access to the piece or their method of escape.
The necklace’s historic provenance — tied to Egyptian royalty — adds to the significance of the loss, as such artefacts are often considered irreplaceable pieces of cultural heritage as well as objects of immense monetary value. Museums that borrow items on loan, as the MAK reportedly had with this necklace, typically carry insurance and security obligations, though incidents like this highlight the risks institutions face when displaying high-value historic jewellery to the public.
Vienna police are continuing their investigation, and the identities and whereabouts of the two suspects remain unknown at this time. Authorities have not indicated whether they believe the men acted alone or as part of a larger network involved in similar thefts elsewhere.
This report is based on reporting by The Guardian, which first detailed the heist and the ongoing police search for suspects.
The case underscores growing concerns among museum security professionals about the vulnerability of high-value exhibits, even during standard operating hours with visitors present. As investigators work to track down those responsible, the fate of the historic necklace remains uncertain.
