Thieves steal ancient Pharaoh’s bracelet in Cairo museum heist, sell it for just $4K

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A valuable bracelet from ancient Egypt, originally owned by Pharaoh Amenemope, was stolen from the Egyptian Museum in Cairo and then completely destroyed when the thieves melted it down, officials have announced.

A 3,000-year-old gold bracelet was stolen from the museum’s restoration lab on September 9th. It happened while staff were getting items ready for an exhibit in Italy.

The ring, a plain gold band with a single blue lapis lazuli bead, belonged to Amenemope, a pharaoh who ruled Egypt during the 21st Dynasty from the city of Tanis in the Nile Delta.

According to Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathy, the artifact was stolen because the lab where it was kept didn’t have security cameras, making it an easy target.

Pharoh’s 3,000-year-old bracelet stolen

Investigators say the bracelet changed owners multiple times after it was stolen from the museum, and was ultimately destroyed. A museum restoration expert admitted to handing the artifact over to someone who ran a silver shop in the Sayyeda Zainab area of Cairo.

It was then sold to a gold workshop for approximately $3,800, and subsequently resold for around $4,000 to a different jeweler. This jeweler melted it down and used the gold to create new jewelry.

Video released by the ministry shows a suspect selling a bracelet at a shop. The footage shows them presenting the bracelet, having it weighed, and receiving payment.

Police have arrested four people in connection with the theft, including a museum restoration expert. Investigators say the suspects admitted their involvement, and the money they made from selling stolen items has been recovered. However, the stolen artifact remains missing.

In 1940, French Egyptologist Pierre Montet discovered Amenemope’s tomb. It’s now part of the Tanis collection at the museum, which features thousands of artifacts, including gold masks used in funerals and silver coffins.

In Egypt, stealing historical objects with the goal of illegally exporting them can result in a life sentence and a fine of up to $100,000, as reported by AFP. Officials haven’t yet stated what charges will be filed against the people suspected of involvement.

As a huge fan of Egyptian history, I was really upset to hear about the bracelet going missing. Experts are saying it’s a totally irreplaceable piece of Egypt’s culture, and honestly, it feels like a real loss for everyone who appreciates that history.

So, it turns out the Van Gogh Museum had a bit of a scandal back in 2024. I read that they had to suspend at least four employees because they were apparently stealing Pokemon cards during the exhibition! Can you believe that? A museum heist… for Pokemon cards. It’s wild!

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2025-09-22 21:19