Robbery in Burgundy: a masterpiece classified as a national treasure and estimated at several million euros stolen: News

Thursday, November 21, helmeted individuals robbed the Hiéron museum in Paray-le-Monial (Saône-et-Loire). The thugs notably left with a masterpiece classified as a national treasure estimated at several million euros.

Thursday, November 21, three helmeted and armed individuals entered the Hiéron museum in Paray-le-Monial (Saône-et-Loire), while a fourth person remained outside to keep watch. As reported by France 3 regions, the thieves, who carefully prepared the operation, sought to seize the Via Vitae, a masterpiece estimated at between 5 and 7 million euros dating from the 20th century and classified as a national treasure. After firing several shots, the criminals used a grinder to blow up the armored glass wall protecting the work.

The Via Vitae, which is made up of several precious pieces, was then pillaged. The thieves left with several figures made of gold and ivory, but also with diamond pieces for an amount estimated at 750,000 euros. Once the loot was recovered, the criminals fled on motorcycles, scattering puncture nails on the ground in order to slow down the police. Faced with this robbery, Jean-Marc Nesme, the mayor of Paray-le-Monial, regretted a “catastrophe” involving a “national treasure classified as such by the Ministry of Culture; a property which is also part of the heritage of Paray-le-Monial”.

“All my support to the museum teams and the community”

According to information from Franceinfo, the Mâcon public prosecutor's office has opened an investigation into the charge of armed theft by an organized gang. The Dijon research section as well as the central office for the fight against trafficking in cultural property were contacted as part of the investigation. “Investigations are currently still underway in order to identify and arrest those involved,” announced prosecutor Anne-Lise Furstoss in a press release. For her part, Rachida Dati, the Minister of Culture, also reacted. “I condemn with the greatest firmness these unacceptable acts which damage our heritage. […] All my support to the museum teams and the community”she wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

published on November 22 at 10:45 p.m., Tanguy Jaillant, 6Medias

Share