Spectacular theft in Spain: the Treasure of Villena stolen by a specialized gang

The museum of the small Valencian town of Villena has been the scene of a spectacular theft at dawn on August 27. An organized gang stole a large part of the Treasure of Villena, one of the most important prehistoric goldwork collections in Europe. According to initial reports, the thieves acted quickly and precisely, taking gold and silver objects dating from the Bronze Age.

The Treasure of Villena, discovered in 1963, includes 59 objects, including bowls, bottles and jewellery, weighing nearly 10 kilos of gold. It is considered a masterpiece of Bronze Age goldsmithing in Europe, comparable to other famous sets such as that of Mycenae. The treasure was displayed at the municipal museum, where it was the centerpiece of the collection.

The authorities suspect the involvement of a gang specialized in gold thefts from museums, known for other high-profile cases. This type of crime often targets objects made of precious metals, easy to sell on the black market. The Spanish police have launched an investigation and issued a call for witnesses.

The theft comes amid a rise in attacks on cultural heritage in Europe. According to experts, the historical and archaeological value of the treasure is priceless, far exceeding its market value. The stolen pieces represent an essential part of the history of the Iberian Peninsula.

The scientific community and local authorities have expressed their dismay. The mayor of Villena has promised to do everything possible to recover the pieces, while museums in the region are strengthening their security measures. Investigators hope that precedents of similar thefts will help find part of the treasure, often resold abroad.

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Written by the ADM desk based on Artribune. Read the original article for the full story.