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Jewelry and Gem Theft

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There are three good reasons why the FBI investigates jewelry and gem theft.

First, the thefts usually cross state and even national boundaries—so they need a federal agency with offices across the nation and overseas to investigate these highly mobile jewelry thieves. Second, these crimes are increasingly committed by organized criminal enterprises or “theft groups” that likewise require a federal agency with tough laws and with offices across the U.S. and overseas to bust. And third, these theft groups are often involved in other kinds of organized crime activities already under scrutiny by the FBI.

Our program—created in 1992—offers investigative assistance and intelligence on theft groups to law enforcement and partners with the jewelry industry to create a unified and coordinated approach to this crime threat.

In Depth

Inside the Program
- Overview
- Crime Groups
- Jewelry and Gem Database
- Statutes/FBI Jurisdiction

Related FBI Websites
- Art Theft
- Gangs

Stories
- Bling Rings: Targeting Global Jewel Thieves
- Gate Cutters Theft Case
- Protecting Our National Treasures

Additional Resources
- Jewelers’ Security Alliance
- Gemological Institute of America

09.20.10

In the News
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Jewel Thieves, Inc.
A $3.7 million heist in Ohio highlights how organized gangs of thieves are preying on traveling jewelry salesmen. Details

09.27.12
Albuquerque: Man charged with falsely claiming jewelry he sold was made by an Indian.
01.24.12
New Haven: Suspect in robbery, murder of jeweler arrested in Spain.
12.13.11
Kansas City: Man indicted for armed robbery of jewelry store.

 

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Seeking Information
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mm033110_1.jpg We need your help identifying and locating this man, who is purchasing a Taser weapon that was used to rob a Miami jeweler of more than $200,000 on December 23, 2009. Details