Police Arrest Suspect in Theft of Celtic Princess’ 2,500-year-old Gold Torque From French Museum, as National Security Plan Is Launched
French investigators arrested and detained a suspect in connection with the July 24 theft of a 2,500-year-old, 24-karat gold Celtic torque from the Musée du Pays Châtillonnais—Trésor de Vix in Châtillon-sur-Seine, Burgundy, according to Le Figaro. The robbery occurred around 10:30 a.m., and the perpetrators reportedly entered and exited like ordinary tourists using purchased tickets. Culture minister Catherine Pégard announced the arrest but did not disclose the suspect’s identity or alleged role. In response to this theft and an earlier October heist at the Louvre involving France’s crown jewels, the government launched a national security plan for more than 3,000 at-risk museums, monuments, and churches, supported in part by €30 million ($34 million) for upgraded security and including 33 measures such as removing the most vulnerable objects from display and conducting regular security audits.
From This Briefing
This story was covered in Museums Under Fire, Heritage and Heists Collide