Diamond heist shock: Thieves arrested trying to sneak a $25M gem in a refrigerator
A $25 million diamond was stolen by thieves before eventually being recovered.
In a real-life mission from the popular video game Grand Theft Auto, a rare and extraordinarily valuable pink diamond, valued at around US $25 million, became the target of a carefully orchestrated theft in Dubai.
The three perpetrators, reportedly of Asian descent, tried to pull off what was an elaborate con: for over a year, they followed the diamond’s journey from Europe, where it had originated, closely monitoring its arrival in Dubai.
When the gemstone-owner arrived to sell the 21-carat stone, the thieves posed as affluent intermediaries representing a prospective buyer.
“Extraordinary value and rarity” made diamond “prime target”
“To establish credibility, the suspects posed as wealthy individuals by renting luxury cars and arranging meetings at upscale hotels, eventually persuading the merchant to move the diamond out of his secure shop, enabling them to steal it,” a police statement said.
“Its extraordinary value and rarity made it a prime target, prompting the gang’s elaborate efforts over an extended period,” it added.
They arranged a viewing and invited the jeweller to a private villa to finalize the deal. However, the moment the gem was brought out, the thieves struck, grasping the diamond and fleeing with it.
Yet the plan quickly unravelled. The jeweller wasted no time calling the authorities, reporting the theft in progress; Dubai Police leapt to launch “Operation Pink Diamond.” Within hours, a number of specialist task units, backed by all the might of the force, tracked down the suspects who had split up across the city, arresting them in targeted raids. Incredibly, the diamond was recovered before it could leave the country.
Related stories
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.