Crime

Security Guards Under Investigation in Dresden Jewel Heist Case

CrimeMar 11, 2020

Security Guards Under Investigation in Dresden Jewel Heist Case

German authorities are digging deeper into the theft of 18th-century royal jewelry from the Green Vault museum.

20200311_Dresden_Vault.jpg
Thieves broke into the jewel room of the historic Green Vault museum in Dresden, Germany in November 2019 and made off with several pieces dating back to the 18th century. (Image credit: © Grünes Gewölbe, Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden. Photo: David Brandt)

Dresden, Germany—The plot thickens as German authorities dig deeper into the November 2019 theft of invaluable 18th-century royal jewelry from Dresden’s Green Vault museum.

Four security guards employed at Dresden’s Royal Palace are under investigation for potential involvement in the heist, a spokesperson for the Saxon Police confirmed to National Jeweler.

“We do not know at this time whether the investigation into the four guards is a key to the solution of the case, but at this point we are following all leads,” said the spokesperson, adding that “urgent suspicion” has not yet been found and that the investigation will continue.

Investigators are looking at the two security guards who were on duty at the museum on the morning of the theft, believing they did not “react adequately” to the break-in and did not try to prevent it, as per a Guardian report, as well as the other two guards who are believed to have helped the thieves.

One of the guards thought to have been working with the thieves was arrested Nov. 29. The guard is believed to have passed along information about the layout of the museum and its security system.

The other is suspected of tampering with the museum’s alarm system, the Guardian reported.

The day of the heist, there was an electrical fire near the museum, which knocked out the streetlights as well as the lights in front of the window through which the thieves entered.

The guards on duty notified the police the morning of the theft after spotting two individuals entering the museum on video surveillance cameras.

Marion Ackermann, Dresden’s State Art Collections director, told reporters at a press briefing after the heist that it is standard security procedure at the museum to call the police in the event of a break-in rather than intervene.

Although officers arrived on the scene within minutes, the thieves already had sped off in a getaway car, Dresden Police Chief Joerg Kubiessa told reporters.

An unregistered Audi was found set on fire nearby in an underground parking lot, which police confirmed matched the description of the getaway car.


A photo of the getaway vehicle. (Photo credit: Polizei Sachsen)The getaway car has been a key piece of the puzzle for German authorities as they work on what they are calling “Operation Epaulette,” a nod to an ornamental shoulder piece and one of the jewels stolen in the heist.

The Saxon police, who preside over the state

of Saxon, where Dresden is located, continued to investigate the car and their findings substantiated the theory that the theft was planned in advance, according to a press release from the department.

Investigators determined that it was a 2006 Audi S6 that was deregistered in 2017 and sold by a private seller in August 2019, just a few months before the break-in, to a young man who authorities believe is connected to the burglary. Authorities believe the car may have been repainted a different color shortly before the heist.

A sketch of the man police believe is connected to the jewelry theft

The man is described as around 25 years old with dark hair and a slim figure. Police have put out a sketch of the suspect.

After analysis by specialists from the State Criminal Police Office in Saxony, the public prosecutor and the police believe at least seven people were involved in the jewel heist, backed up by its investigation and video evaluations.

Investigators have received around 1,300 tips from the public and will be looking into them.

The police and public prosecutor have offered a reward of €500,000 ($564,000) for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators.

SEE: The Jewelry Stolen from the Green Vault

Lenore Fedowis the senior editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.

The Latest

Jewelers of America 20 Under 40 graphic
Events & AwardsFeb 11, 2025
JA Seeking Nominations for Its Next ‘20 Under 40’ Class

The program has been expanded to include a “20 Under 40” list for jewelry suppliers and is accepting nominations through Feb. 19.

Peter Smith
ColumnistsFeb 11, 2025
Peter Smith: 9 Store Manager Archetypes

Smith details the types of store managers he’s encountered, with the goal of helping retailers find a person who’s a fit for their store.

Bulgari x MB&F Serpenti watch
WatchesFeb 11, 2025
Bulgari, MB&F Launch Reimagined ‘Serpenti’ Watch

The brands immersed one of Bulgari’s most famous historical icons in MB&F’s ultra-mechanical universe of haute horlogerie.

Top Image.png
Brought to you by
3 Ways to Capitalize on America’s Newfound Love of Colored Gems

Colored stones are stepping into a jewelry spotlight typically reserved for diamonds—are you ready to sell color?

Boucheron Power of Couture campaign
FinancialsFeb 11, 2025
Boucheron a Bright Spot as Kering’s Full-Year Sales Sink 12%

The luxury titan’s full-year performance was weighed down by struggling sales at its star brand Gucci.

Weekly QuizFeb 06, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Midas Chain Diamond and Gemstone Jewelry
MajorsFeb 11, 2025
Midas Chain Releases First Diamond Collection

The jewelry manufacturer has launched more than 100 pieces made with natural diamonds.

Tacori Stilla ring
SurveysFeb 10, 2025
Jewelry Resilient in 2024 Even As Luxury Sales Slipped, Says Bain & Co.

Bain & Co.’s latest report on the luxury market examines why the market’s customer base is shrinking and how to appeal to consumers in 2025.

Resolutions - 2025.jpg
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers

The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.

Hearts On Fire Inside Out Collection Bracelets
CollectionsFeb 10, 2025
Hearts on Fire Flips Jewelry ‘Inside Out’ in New Collection

The collection centers on the art of tailoring, inspired by designs that feature folded fabrics, such as a tuxedo lapel.

JW Marriott Hotel in Nashville Tennessee
Events & AwardsFeb 10, 2025
Select Jewelry Show Heads to Nashville

The trade show has added a new location to its fall line-up.

Jade Trau Ladybird Charm
CollectionsFeb 07, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jade Trau’s ‘Ladybird’ Charm

From the brand’s latest collection of lucky charms, the ladybird is seen as a bearer of good fortune and a ward against negative energy.

Rough diamonds from De Beers’ Gahcho Kue diamond mine in Canada
SourcingFeb 07, 2025
De Beers’ Production Guidance Slashed, Anglo Anticipates Another Writedown

The moves come amid a prolonged period of lower demand for diamonds, particularly in China.

Stuller Bench Jeweler Workshop
Events & AwardsFeb 07, 2025
Registration Opens for Stuller’s Bench Jeweler Workshop

The workshop returns in March, along with the “Battle of the Benches” mini challenge series.

Windsor Jewelry in Indianapolis, Indiana
IndependentsFeb 06, 2025
106-Year-Old Jewelry Store Saved by New Owners

Two attorneys purchased Windsor Jewelry, which was set to close, and will retain all existing staff at the downtown Indianapolis store.

Two images of Adam Heyman in Sri Lanka
MajorsFeb 06, 2025
Oscar Heyman Employee Celebrates 60 Years With the Company

Adam Heyman joined the family business in 1965, just weeks after graduating from Columbia Business School.

De Beers Jewellers Embrace Bracelet
CollectionsFeb 06, 2025
De Beers Jewellers’ New High Jewelry Pays Homage to the Beauty of Trees

The “Essence of Nature, Chapter One” collection echoes trees and roots, literally and figuratively, through three sets of high jewelry.

Hamilton Jewelers Worth Avenue interior
IndependentsFeb 06, 2025
Hamilton Jewelers Revamps Palm Beach Boutique

The fourth-generation, family-owned jeweler has given its Worth Avenue store a new look.

Stock image of a gavel
CrimeFeb 05, 2025
‘The Timepiece Gentleman’ Sentenced to 5-Plus Years Behind Bars

Luxury watch dealer Anthony Farrer pleaded guilty late last year to defrauding clients in a scheme with Ponzi-type elements.

Pandora sparkling bow necklace
FinancialsFeb 05, 2025
Pandora Posts Double-Digit Growth After Strong Holiday Season

In its full-year results, the retailer shared its 2025 outlook and an update on the global rollout of its lab-grown diamond collection.

Seal & Scribe “Freedom Moon” Ring
TrendsFeb 05, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Feeling Fabulous in February

Celebrate February birthstones and the gem shows in Arizona this month with a versatile stone like amethyst.

Diamond Council of America logo
MajorsFeb 05, 2025
DCA Promotes Kristen Scheetz to Director of Education, Membership

Scheetz has been with the nonprofit since 2007.

Trucks at the Orapa diamond mine in Botswana
SourcingFeb 04, 2025
New Deal With Botswana Is Done, De Beers Confirms

The agreement will allocate an increasing proportion of the country’s rough diamonds to the government of Botswana over the next decade.

Van Clef & Arpels Diane (Diana) Clip
Events & AwardsFeb 04, 2025
Van Cleef & Arpels’ Astronomy-Inspired Jewelry to Land at AMNH

“Cosmic Splendor: Jewelry From the Collections of Van Cleef & Arpels,” opens April 11 at the American Museum of Natural History.

Chocolate box ring by Mined + Found
SurveysFeb 04, 2025
Valentine’s Day Jewelry Spending Forecast to Hit Record High, Says NRF

Those celebrating Valentine’s Day this year are expected to spend a record $27.5 billion on jewels, flowers, candy, and more.

Lady Gaga Tiffany & Co.  necklace worn to the 2025 Grammys
EditorsFeb 03, 2025
Best Jewelry Moments From the 2025 Grammy Awards

From Lady Gaga’s 1930s Tiffany & Co. necklace to Taylor Swift’s “T,” Michelle Graff recaps the night’s most memorable jewelry looks.

HSN+ QVC+ logos on a television, laptop, and phone screen
MajorsFeb 03, 2025
Qurate to Close HSN’s Florida HQ Amid Restructuring

Layoffs will reportedly start next month as HSN plans to move into QVC’s location in Pennsylvania.

Jewelry designer Lauren Harwell Godfrey looking at colored gemstones
EditorsFeb 03, 2025
Q&A: 5 Jewelry Designers on Shopping the 2025 Tucson Gem Shows

A group of creatives talked to Associate Editor Lauren McLemore about their approach to the annual Tucson gem, mineral, and fossil shows.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy