Criminal gang faces court over Australian jewellery burglary

After a staggering multi-million dollar luxury goods theft in Australia in October, investigators have arrested and charged four French individuals in relation to the crime.

According to police, the burglary targeted a Canberra property, with the suspects allegedly stealing more than 70 items. The stolen swag included luxury handbags, jewellery, and high-end watches, such as a Swiss-made Richard Mille ‘Smiley’ watch valued at $AUD5 million.

Other missing items include two Hermès rings, a Van Cleef & Arpels four-leaf clover necklace, and two Patek Philippe watches.

The men, aged 28 to 37, were arrested in Sydney at a fast food chain four days after the incident and appeared in court in December. They are expected to face court again this month. Detective Acting Inspector Mark Battye described the crime as resembling a movie scene.

"I've been in the job a long time. I've never seen a burglary of this magnitude… and with people flying over from the other side of the world," he said.

Police raided a rented property in Sydney and recovered some of the stolen items. Investigators believe the incidents were part of a targeted operation, with the alleged offenders travelling to Australia specifically to commit these offences.