Swiss authorities continued searching Friday for two robbers who attacked a security guard at a Roman-era museum in Lausanne, shattered a display case and fled with dozens of ancient gold coins in a swift and targeted heist.
Police said the pair bought entry tickets and waited until the museum had nearly emptied shortly before closing time Tuesday. Investigators said the suspects assaulted and restrained the guard before smashing the display case containing the coins. Officials have not disclosed the monetary value of the stolen pieces but emphasized that the items hold significant archaeological importance.
The robbery occurred as global gold prices remain elevated, even after easing from recent highs, and follows a high-profile theft at the Louvre in Paris that raised concerns about museum security across Europe.
Authorities said the museum employee, a 64-year-old Swiss national, was questioned by investigators and was not injured during the incident. No visitors or additional staff were present at the time of the theft.
State prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation. Lausanne city officials filed a legal complaint over the damage to the museum, and the regional government, which owns the gold coins, announced plans to submit a separate criminal complaint as the search for the suspects continues.
AP
