This was the largest museum robbery in Argentine history, with thieves stealing more than $20 million.
He robbery at the Museum of Fine Arts of Argentinaknown as the “theft of the century” in the field of art, occurred on December 25, 1980, in the middle of Christmas. A group of criminals entered the museum during the early hours of the morning, taking advantage of a security oversight. They managed to take several valuable works of artincluding pieces by renowned artists such as Picasso, Matisse and others.
The thieves used tools to break into display cases and deactivate alarms. Although the museum had security measures, the speed and planning of the robbery surprised everyone. After the assault, an intense investigation began that included the participation of security forces and art experts from around the world.
The few pieces recovered were thanks to the British spyspecialist in recovering works of art Julian Radcliffe. The works had been put up for sale by lumber businessman Arthur Lung in a Parisian gallery.
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Photo: Museum of Fine Arts
How was the robbery at the Museum of Fine Arts?
The criminals entered the museum through an entrance that was not properly guarded. There is no doubt that they were 4 expert thieves since they managed to do something unique. They used tools to force the doors and deactivate the alarms. The robbery was quick; It is estimated that the thieves took less than 20 minutes to complete their objective.
They took several valuable works of art, including paintings by renowned artists such as Picasso, Matisse and Monet. In total, It is estimated that the value of the stolen works reached 20 million dollars.
The justice system at the time ruled that although the museum’s security was mediocre, they were sure that these types of thefts were commissioned and that they could be international orders. At the same time, there were hypotheses that the dictatorship exchanged paintings for weapons and that drug gangs were also linked.
What happened to the stolen paintings
Unfortunately for the Museum of Fine Arts, the thieves were never found, butIn 2005, three of the works that had been stolen were found“Portrait of a Woman”, by Renoir; “The Call,” by Gaugin, and “Recodo del Camino,” by Cézanne, were found in Paris and repatriated by Interpol on a flight that included federal judge Norberto Oyarbide.
The rest of the works were not found but hope is not lost that they can be found and returned to their rightful place, the Museum of Fine Arts of Argentina.
Source: Ambito
