On July 11, 2022, when two armed guards left their Brink’s tractor-trailer for 27 minutes, thieves stole millions of dollars worth of jewelry from the truck. The thieves were able to get past the locks and used storage containers to carry the valuables.
How much was taken is not clear. According to the insurance, Brink’s indicated it was less than $10 million; while, another source indicated that it’s closer to $100 million.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau Sgt. Michael Mileski stated, “We are talking multi millions here. It is a huge amount of money.” He said that the $10 million was only a base that was expected to increase.
Arnold Duke, president of the International Gem and Jewelry Show, said “We are looking at more than $100 million in documented losses. This was an absolutely huge crime. One of the largest jewelry heists ever. We are talking gold, diamonds, rubies, emeralds and loads of luxury watches. There were 15 exhibitors each with $5 [million] to $10 million in merchandise.”