Family Affair: Green Vault Trial Opens in Germany
February 03, 22
(IDEX Online) - The trial has opened in Germany of six men - all from the same family - accused of what has been described as the world's biggest gem heist - 4,300 diamonds, with an insured value of at least $129m.
The defendants, all brothers and cousins aged between 23 and 28, are being identified by the initial of their surname, as is normal judicial practice in Germany.
They are accused of organised robbery and arson - starting a fire to disrupt the power supply to street lights before the raid at The Green Vault museum in November 2019.
The 21 stolen treasures included the famous 18th century 49-carat Dresden white diamond bought by August the Strong, then Elector of Saxony, and valued at $12m, as well as a sword encrusted with nine large and 770 smaller diamonds. No items from the theft have been recovered.
The Green Vault's director, Marius Winzeler, told German media: "We will not rest until we have the jewels back."
Police pic shows some of the priceless treasures that were stolen