Berlin: More than 1,500 police carried out a series of searches in Berlin and arrested several people in a massive operation connected to the spectacular theft of 18th-century jewels from a unique collection in Dresden last November, authorities said on Tuesday.
The operation was coordinated by police and prosecutors in Dresden, investigating the November 25, 2019, theft of a large diamond brooch, a diamond epaulette and other treasures from the Saxony city's Green Vault Museum.
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A total of 1,638 police officers from Saxony, Berlin and several other states, as well as federal special police forces, searched a total of 18 places, including 10 apartments and also garages and vehicles.
Their target was “art treasures and possible evidence such as computer storage media, clothing and tools,” Dresden police and prosecutors said.
The focus was on Berlin's Neukoelln district, they said.
Three people, identified only as German citizens, were arrested on suspicion of organised robbery and arson.
The Green Vault is one of the world’s oldest museums.
It was established in 1723 and contains the treasury of Augustus the Strong of Saxony, comprising around 4,000 objects of gold, precious stones and other materials.
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Shortly after the theft, authorities offered a 500,000-euro ($593,000) reward for information leading to the recovery of the jewels or the arrest of the thieves.
AP
