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A surprising turn of events in one of the most spectacular art thefts in Germany: After three years, the authorities have been able to secure pieces of jewelry that were stolen from the Green Vault of the Dresden State Art Collections.
Marion Ackermann, Director General of the Dresden State Art Collections:
»If you then get such wonderful news on the day before the fourth Advent, then believe in the Christmas miracle. So it's just incredibly great and everyone is happy, including of course all the employees of the SKD, the Dresden State Art Collections. But I've seen it before, here in the streets of Dresden: the news spread like wildfire. All people shine. It is seen as an incredibly big, wonderful event.«
During the burglary of the Green Vault in November 2019, culturally and historically valuable jewelery from the 18th century was stolen: 21 pieces of jewelery set with more than 4,300 diamonds and brilliants.
Estimated insurance value: at least 113.8 million euros.
Authorities announced on Saturday that a "significant part" of the stolen goods had been recovered.
Jürgen Schmidt, Dresden Public Prosecutor's Office:
"Last night, 31 individual items were secured in Berlin, including some parts that appeared to be complete.
Among other things, the breast star of the Polish order of the white eagle and a hat decoration, the so-called heron fall.«
Six suspects were arrested during the investigation.
The trial for serious gang theft, arson and particularly serious arson has been underway at the Dresden Regional Court since the end of January.
The accused are all members of the Berlin clan family Remmo.
According to information from SPIEGEL TV, a deal was made with the lawyers of one of the accused to get the loot back.
Jürgen Schmidt, Dresden Public Prosecutor:
"This operation was preceded by exploratory talks in the course of the ongoing main hearing before the Dresden Regional Court between the public prosecutor's office and the defense, in which the Dresden Regional Court was also involved and where it was also a matter of checking whether a procedural agreement is possible that would also allow the return of the loot, if it still exists."
The recovered stolen goods are now being forensically examined for authenticity and completeness.
Even if the stolen art treasure is far from complete - the joy in Dresden is great.
