Europol: Art heists turn violent, thieves recruited via social media

Art thieves across Europe have become more violent and opportunistic, Europol reported Monday. The European Union's law enforcement agency noted a shift from specialized gangs to ad-hoc groups recruited through social media platforms on a "crime-as-a-service" basis.

These new thieves employ brute force, using sledgehammers, axes, crowbars, and even explosives to breach premises and display cases. This contrasts sharply with traditional art theft rings that relied on deception, stealth, and a central leader with niche expertise. The focus has also moved from traditional art to precious metals, jewels, and cultural artifacts that offer higher profits.

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offenders are breaching premises and display cases using tools such as sledgehammers, axes, crowbars and, in some instances, explosives.

Europol highlighted the Louvre Museum heist in Paris last October as a prime example. Thieves threatened guards and visitors, stealing €88 million worth of jewels, including Empress Eugenie's tiara. The report also cited a January incident where thieves used explosives to steal ancient gold artifacts from a museum in the Netherlands, though they were later recovered.

The agency attributes the shift partly to the surging price of gold, which has risen 85% over the past two years. This price increase attracts illicit flows and market distortions, as precious metals can be easily melted down and sold, leaving minimal evidence for law enforcement. Ancient Chinese porcelain artifacts, such as Ming Dynasty vases, are also seeing increased theft due to high demand.

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Precious metals can be easily melted down, leaving no trace for law enforcement, and facilitating illicit sales during the fencing process. Precious stones in jewelry, on the other hand, can be easily removed and sold further.