
NEED TO KNOW
Four masked men stole three paintings worth over $10 million from the Magnani Rocca Foundation in Italy between on March 22
The heist lasted three minutes and the group escaped by climbing a fence, according to reports
Italy's national police force, the Carabinieri, is investigating the incident and analyzing surveillance footage from the museum
Thieves have stolen three paintings worth millions of dollars during a heist at a museum in Italy, according to reports.
Four masked men entered the Magnani Rocca Foundation villa, located in Parma, on March 22 and took Les Poissons by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Still Life with Cherries by Paul Cézanne and Odalisque on the Terrace by Henri Matisse, according to Rome-based outlet Il Messaggero and the BBC.
The criminals were able to force access into the entrance door and gain entry to a room on the first floor before running off with the paintings via the museum’s gardens, all in three minutes, according to Il Messaggero and broadcaster Sky TG24, per The Guardian.
Credit: Alamy
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
They escaped the area by climbing over a fence, according to local public broadcaster TGR, per the BBC.
The gang allegedly "intended" to steal an unknown fourth painting, but triggered the alarm system and were forced to abandon it during their getaway, according to Il Messaggero.
The outlet reported that the Magnani Rocca Foundation said the operation was "extremely rapid and planned" and allegedly required “precise and coordinated organization”.
The museum said the crime allegedly involved "a clearly planned functional division of the serious unlawful conduct, which, however, was not completed due to the activation of protection systems and thanks to the prompt intervention of internal security, the Carabinieri, and the security institute, to whom we extend our most sincere thanks for their courage and promptness," according to Italian news agency ANSA.
The BBC said the cost of the paintings was worth a combined total of €9 million (around $10.3 million). The cost of Les Poissons alone is reportedly worth €6 million (around $6.9 million).
Credit: Roberto Serra - Iguana Press/Getty
Italy’s national police force, the Carabinieri, is investigating the incident with the support of the Cultural Heritage Protection Unit of Bologna — a unit that specializes in the protection of cultural heritage, per the BBC.
They are reviewing and analyzing video surveillance from the heist. News about the stolen paintings was only made public on Sunday, March 29, according to the outlet.
The Magnani Rocca Foundation was founded in 1977 by critic Luigi Magnani and features masterpieces by iconic artists such as Titian, Goya, Morandi and Monet.
The Carabinieri and The Magnani Rocca Foundation did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.
Read the original article on People
latest_posts
- 1
‘Risk children’s lives for some extra manpower’: IRGC recruits 12 year olds to fill personnel gaps - 2
A soft launch, an unfollow and a lot of questions: Breaking down the 'Summer House' romance blowing up group chats - 3
Italian court approves extradition to Germany of Ukrainian suspect in Nord Stream pipeline blast - 4
Supercharge Your Remote Work Arrangement with These Game-Changing Instruments - 5
Volkswagen in talks with defence firms on use of Germany plant: CEO
Denny's is shutting down restaurants around the country. What's behind the closures?
German foreign minister backs abandoning EU's unanimity principle
Crew-11 astronauts undock in 1st-ever medical evacuation from the International Space Station (video)
37 Things Just Individuals Experiencing childhood during the 80s Will Comprehend
The Manual for Decent European Urban communities in 2024
NASA's Artemis II launch leaves Americans in awe: 'We're going back to the frickin' moon!'
Raw oysters linked to ongoing salmonella outbreak infecting 64 across 22 states: CDC
'Wicked: For Good' was filmed at this surreal National Park in Egypt
Top German court to rule on claims by Wirecard shareholders












