Another member of the notorious Pink Panther gang that was responsible for a major jewellery heist in Dubai in 2007 has escaped from a Swiss jail.
Milan Poparic, a 24-year-old Bosnian, is the latest of a series of escapes by Pink Panther members in jails across Europe.
The international network, given their name by Interpol after the crime comedy films, has made some of the boldest jewellery robberies in the world, stealing an estimated $500m worth of jewels since the 1990s. Their reputation has caused some criminologists to describe their crimes as “artistry”.
Among the most audacious was a robbery at Dubai’s House of Graff jewellery store in Wafi City Mall in April, 2007.
A group of men drove two stolen vehicles through the shop window and grabbed diamonds, watches and other items worth an estimated $14.6m.
The guns used to threaten staff were later identified as plastic replicas.
DNA evidence found at the crime scene led to the arrest of three men, including one who was extradited to the UAE and sentenced to 10 years’ jail. Poparic is not believed to have been involved in the Dubai raid.
The Pink Panthers, who include dozens or hundreds of members, are believed to be responsible for robberies in countries across the globe including Switzerland, Japan, France, Liechenstein, Germany, Luxembourg, Spain and Monaco.
Other brazen raids have included the culprits using prosthetic make-up to change their appearance, dressing up as women, wearing flowery t-shirts and escaping in a speed boat, and painting a seat with fresh paint to deter anyone from sitting on it and witnessing the crime.
Poparic’s escape was reportedly just as brazen. Two accomplices drove-up to the prison then used machine guns to drive back the guards as Poparic and an inmate climbed over the jail wall using ladders.
The security guards hid while the criminals set fire to one of the guards’ cars and drove off in another, according to CNN.
It is the latest in a string of escapes believe to be orchestrated by other Pink Panther members.
In May, another member escaped from a prison in Switzerland with the help of three accomplices.
In July 2012, a member escaped from a prison in Athens by knocking out a guard and stealing her keys.
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