Two British brothers banned from Switzerland for museum heist

New "World" post from BBC News: Two British brothers banned from Switzerland for museum heist https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-67988454?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA https://ift.tt/MFcEGaX

British Brothers Jailed for Ming Dynasty Antiques Heist in Geneva

Two British brothers, Stewart and Louis Ahearne, have been sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison by a Geneva court for their involvement in a 2019 heist at the Museum of Far Eastern Art. The siblings admitted to breaking into the museum and stealing valuable 14th-century Chinese Ming Dynasty antiques.

Guilty Verdict and Sentencing

The court found the brothers guilty of aggravated theft and imposed individual prison terms of three-and-a-half years. Additionally, they were banned from visiting Switzerland for five years. The judge ordered them to pay 15,000 Swiss francs in damages to the Baur Foundation, which manages the looted museum.

Shared Culpability in the Heist

During the trial, it was revealed that the brothers, hailing from south-east London, were part of a three-member gang, including a third man named as Daniel Kelly. The court stressed the shared culpability, stating that the gang acted with a significant desire for financial gain during the meticulously planned burglary.

Heist Details and Swift Execution

The prosecutor outlined the details of the heist, indicating that Louis Ahearne conducted reconnaissance, while Stewart Ahearne rented a Renault Captur car at Geneva Airport. The burglary involved a power saw, sledgehammer, and crowbar, causing approximately 3.5 million Swiss francs worth of damage. The gang executed the heist swiftly, entering and exiting through a hole in less than a minute.

Stolen Artifacts and Recovery Efforts

The stolen artifacts, including two bowls and a vase from the 14th century, were targeted by the gang. One bowl made its way to a Hong Kong auction house, where Stewart Ahearne left passport details during the sale. A second item, a vase, was recovered in central London a year later through an undercover sting operation by Metropolitan Police officers posing as art buyers. However, the third artifact, a wine cup adorned with a chicken, remains unrecovered.

Apologies and Acknowledgments

Before sentencing, the Ahearne brothers apologized for their actions and acknowledged the support of their family present in court. Stewart Ahearne expressed remorse to the museum owner, Swiss society, and his family. Louis Ahearne added condolences for the stress caused to the museum, Swiss society, and his family.

Considerable Prejudice and Irreparable Loss

President Patrick Monney, during sentencing, emphasized the considerable prejudice caused by the heist, highlighting the irreparable loss due to the missing chicken cup. As the brothers were led away, gestures of apology were made to their family, illustrating the emotional toll of the court's decision.