Dresden Museum Heist

In November 2019, 4,300 gems were stolen from the Green Vault Museum in Dresden in a high-profile burglary. The gems, which make up 21 different pieces, are worth more than 113 million euros and have impressive historical significance. Ministry of Culture officials have gone so far as to say that the jewels possess "priceless material value."

Six men have been arrested in Germany and are facing charges. The defendants are all under the age of 30 and are charged with gang theft and arson, among other things. Each of the six men could serve up to 10 years in prison for the crimes they are accused of. These defendants are not only linked by their young age, but also by the fact that they share the same organized crime family, the "Remmo Clan". The Remmo clan is Germany's most notorious crime family and has plagued the country since the late 20th century.

Each of the 6 Remmo Clan men were charged for their crimes and are now serving their sentences in German prisons. This heist, which german authorities have described the heist as the "largest heist in modern German history, illuminates the continued significance of organized international crime. In the United States, especially on the West Coast, we view organized crime through the lens of gangs and gang violence. La Cosa Nostra, and general American-based crime families have dwindled in their power and cultural significance as we’ve moved into the present day. This event reveals that international crime families are still prevalent.

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