Croatia arrests 4 suspected thieves in Venice jewel heist

ZAGREB, Croatia – Croatian police say they have arrested four suspects in the brazen theft last January of precious Indian jewels from the famed Al Thani Collection that were on display in a Venetian palace.

Police said Thursday the men are all Croatians ranging in age from 43 to 60. They were arrested Wednesday after a months-long investigation in co-operation with Italian police.

The thieves made off with a brooch and a pair of earrings by mixing in with the crowd on the final day of the exhibition at Venice’s Doge’s Palace.

The stolen jewels were not the top highlights of the Al Thani Collection, which includes gems dating from the time of the Mughal Empire. Croatian police say the value of the stolen jewels is estimated at some $3 million.