Austrian police are hunting two suspects after a historic diamond necklace was stolen from the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK) in Vienna during opening hours on Thursday. The 200-carat platinum piece, encrusted with 673 diamonds, was valued at approximately $4 million.
The necklace originally belonged to Egypt's Queen Nazli and was later sold to satisfy her creditors. At the time of the theft, it was being displayed as part of a museum exhibition featuring designs by Van Cleef and Arpels.
Security cameras captured the two alleged thieves, who did not wear masks and had paid for admission to the museum. Authorities have released pictures of the suspects as the manhunt continues.
This heist is the latest in a string of high-profile smash-and-grab thefts from European cultural institutions. The incident is poised to refocus attention on security protocols at museums.