Crimes of the Times: 2018's Biggest Jewel Heists

RAPAPORT... A slew of heists rocked the jewelry industry in 2018, making headlines worldwide. RapaportNews looks back at four of the biggest thefts of last year - and one of the tiniest. Swedish Royal Jewels In August, thieves stole priceless royal artifacts belongingto former Swedish monarchs Karl IX and Kristina. The robbers took the items froma display case during a raid on the Str??ngn??s Cathedral, beforeescaping in a speedboat. The stolen items, which include two crowns and agolden orb adorned with a crucifix, date back to the early 17th century, andwere part of the king and queen's funeral regalia. The criminals have yet to belocated. British HeadacheThe November swiping of the diamond-laden Portland Tiara createdfor Winifred, the duchess of Portland, to wear to the 1902 coronation of KingEdward VII was only the latest in a string of royal thefts in 2018. Security atthe Portland Collection gallery in Nottinghamshire, England, missed the thievesby 90 seconds. Neither the tiara nor the perpetrators have been found. Jewelry from the Qatari Royal FamilyFive men were arrested in Croatia for seizing approximately$2.2 million worth of jewelry owned by a member of the Qatari royal family. TheJanuary heist happened on the final day of an exhibition, "Treasures of the Mughals and theMaharajahs," at Doge's Palace in Venice, Italy. While the jewels havenot yet been recovered, one of the suspects is believed to be a member of thePink Panthers, an international network of jewelry thieves. Putting on the Ritz In January, five men armed with guns and axes burst into theParis Ritz, smashed display cases in the hotel's jewelry shop, and stoleapproximately $5.2 million worth of jewels. Three of the thieves were stuckinside when the security system automatically locked the doors, but one managedto throw the bag of jewels out of the window to an accomplice waiting on ascooter. The trapped men were taken into custody. While all the jewels havesince been recovered, two of the suspects are still at large. Diamond Ant-ics In August, a criminal pulled off a daring caper in broaddaylight, and in plain sight. The culprit stole more than its own weight indiamonds, dragging it along in an attempt at a quick getaway. The perpetratorwas a greedy New York ant captured on video by the dealer it stolefrom, as it made its way across a desk with its prize (see video below). Authorities have notreleased any details on sentencing or how much time the insect will serve. Image: The Portland Tiara. (Nottinghamshire Police/Facebook)