Four individuals have been apprehended in connection with the theft of an ancient bracelet believed to be around 3,000 years old, once owned by a pharaoh of ancient Egypt. The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has confirmed that the valuable artifact disappeared from a restoration laboratory within the Egyptian Museum, located in downtown Cairo.
In a recent announcement, the Ministry disclosed that it has referred the matter to the appropriate authorities and the Public Prosecution. Additionally, a specialized committee has been formed to conduct a thorough inventory of all items housed in the laboratory. As part of the investigation, the ministry has circulated the bracelet’s image across various antiquities units at Egypt’s airports and borders.
The Ministry also addressed misinformation circulating online, stating that images shared on social media do not depict the stolen bracelet. The delay in publicly announcing the case was deliberate, intended to facilitate a more conducive environment for the ongoing investigations.
According to further details released, the bracelet features a spherical lapis lazuli bead and is linked to King Amenemeuti, a ruler during the Third Intermediate Period of ancient Egypt. Investigators revealed that the initial suspect in the case was a museum worker who allegedly sold the bracelet to a jeweler for approximately $3,735. The jeweler then sold it to an employee at a gold foundry for around $4,025. In a turn of events, a goldsmith subsequently melted down the bracelet along with other jewelry, reshaping it in the process.
Reports indicate that all four suspects have confessed to their involvement in the theft, and the proceeds from the sales have been recovered. The Ministry confirmed that the necessary legal proceedings will ensue, with the incident being referred to various police authorities as well as the Public Prosecution. The Ministry’s statement emphasized its commitment to ensuring the security and preservation of Egypt’s valuable antiquities, underscoring the urgency of inventorying and reviewing the remaining artifacts in the restoration laboratory.
