LIMOGES, France: Thieves snatched three porcelain works worth millions of euros and classed as national treasures in a heist at a French collection in the small hours of Thursday, the museum said.
The robbers triggered the alarm around 3:15 am (0115 GMT) at the Adrien Dubouche National Museum in the central city of Limoges, where they smashed a window to gain entry, a source close to the case, who asked not to be named, told AFP.
The suspects entered the historical gallery where they made off with “two particularly important dishes of Chinese porcelain... dating from the 14th and 15th centuries” and an 18th-century Chinese vase, all designated as “national treasures,” the museum said.
The museum valued the haul at about 9.5 million euros ($11 million) in an initial estimate to the police.
Prosecutors have opened an investigation into “aggravated theft of cultural property exhibited in a French museum, committed in a group and with damage to property.”
Security guards sounded the alarm with police quickly arriving on scene but the suspects had already fled, said Limoges public prosecutor Emilie Abrantes.
“The security system worked, but it may need to be reviewed,” the city’s mayor, Emile Roger Lombertie, told reporters.
“All the world’s major museums have had items stolen at one time or another,” Lombertie added before floating a theory behind the theft.
“It is likely that collectors are giving orders to steal these items and are turning to high-level criminals,” he said.
The museum holds around 18,000 works including the largest public collection of Limoges porcelain, according to its website.
There were two major thefts at French museums in November 2024, one at the Cognacq-Jay Museum in Paris, when four people smashed a display with axes and bats in broad daylight while visitors looked on before making away with snuffboxes and other precious artefacts.
The next day, jewelry worth several million euros was taken in an armed robbery at the Hieron Museum in eastern France.
French museum hit by 9.5m euro porcelain heist
https://arab.news/57337
French museum hit by 9.5m euro porcelain heist
- The robbers triggered the alarm around 3:15 am at the Adrien Dubouche National Museum
- The museum valued the haul at about $11m in an initial estimate to the police
Messi to unveil 21-meter statue of himself on India ‘GOAT’ tour
- Iron sculpture in Kolkata is part of a so-called GOAT Tour that will take in four Indian cities
- Messi won his second consecutive Major League Soccer Most Valuable Player award this week
KOLKATA: Lionel Messi will unveil a 21-meter (70-foot) statue of himself in India on Saturday as he embarks on a three-day tour of the country that has sparked a fan frenzy.
The iron sculpture in Kolkata, which shows Messi holding aloft the World Cup, is part of a so-called GOAT Tour that will take in four Indian cities and a possible meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The 38-year-old Argentina and Inter Miami superstar will unveil the monument virtually rather than in person for security reasons.
A “Hola Messi” fan zone has also been set up in Kolkata where on display is a life-sized replica of Messi sat on a throne.
The hall also recreates his Miami home, complete with mannequins of his family members.
Football fan Samir Nandy said it would be “a dream come true” to catch a glimpse of his idol.
“Legends are not made by success alone. It is his resilience that made me believe in him,” Nandy, 64, said in Kolkata.
“The statue is a fitting tribute to him.”
Monti Paul, the statue’s main sculptor, said the structure was built inside 40 days.
“It’s a matter of pride to build the sculpture of Messi. It’s the tallest statue I have made,” he said.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will also meet Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly during his whirlwind trip to Kolkata.
Ahead of his arrival, Messi said it was an honor to visit India and interact with the fans.
“India is a very special country and I have good memories from my time there 14 years ago — the fans were fantastic,” Messi said in a statement.
“India is a passionate football nation and I look forward to meeting a new generation of fans while sharing the love I have for this beautiful game.”
After Kolkata, where Messi will play a short friendly match, he will head to Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi.
In Hyderabad he will attend a concert in his honor and play another friendly.
He is reportedly scheduled to meet Modi in the capital.
Messi won his second consecutive Major League Soccer Most Valuable Player award this week after propelling Inter Miami to the MLS title and leading the league in goals.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain attacker will spearhead Argentina’s defense of the World Cup in June-July in North America.
