Editor’s Note
This report details a brazen multi-million franc diamond heist at the prestigious Baselworld fair, underscoring the high-stakes security challenges facing the luxury industry.
A brazen robbery occurred at the Baselworld watch and jewelry fair: unknown perpetrators stole four diamonds worth several million Swiss francs.
The theft took place around 11 a.m. According to a spokesperson for the public prosecutor’s office, three unknown individuals distracted the employees of a diamond dealer. Meanwhile, other unknown persons stole the four diamonds from a display case.
The employees noticed the theft shortly afterwards and alerted the security personnel. As the spokesperson stated, Hall 3.0, where the booth was located, was immediately sealed off according to a protocol for such cases.
The hall was subsequently searched. Visitors who were inside at the time were unable to leave for about half an hour. However, according to the public prosecutor’s office, the perpetrators apparently managed to leave the hall with the diamonds.
The precious stones are believed to be worth several million francs, according to the spokesperson. Investigators assume that four to five unknown individuals were involved in the theft in the hall. A manhunt was immediately launched.
Further investigations are ongoing. Traces are now being secured and footage from surveillance cameras is being evaluated; the halls at the watch and jewelry fair are very well monitored with video cameras.
The world’s leading trade fair for the industry attracts thieves. A sensational case last occurred in 2009, when a man stole jewels worth over 13 million francs and fled. During his cinematic escape, however, a police officer cut him off – the 29-year-old was subsequently sentenced to three and three-quarter years in prison.
Even before the start of this year’s “Baselworld,” an unknown person had also looted around one million francs: On March 23, he stole a trolley full of precious stones from a Spanish jewelry dealer who was on his way to the fair at Zurich Airport.
According to the spokesperson for the Basel public prosecutor’s office, there are also pickpocketing incidents and other crimes in the fair environment, as with other major events. “Baselworld,” which opened on March 24, continues until Thursday; around 1,900 exhibitors from 45 countries are participating. Up to 100,000 visitors are expected by the end.