The National Police have uncovered one of the most highly publicized artful robberies in recent memory in Cáceres. Following the arrest of two suspects, authorities recovered 45 wine bottles at the Atrio restaurant, including a bottle valued at 310,000 euros, though no loot remained in the restaurant itself.
The two individuals, a man and a woman, were apprehended at the Croatian border post of Karasovici Sutorina, near Montenegro. The operation was the result of substantial investigative work conducted by the National Police in collaboration with EUROPOL and INTERPOL, with support from the Croatian Border Police and the Spanish Interior Attaché in Romania and the Netherlands (police sources and official briefings).
LAST MINUTE
Two people suspected of involvement in one of the most highly publicized robberies in recent years have been arrested.
Following meticulous planning, the suspects allegedly stole 45 wine bottles valued at 1,648,500 euros from the Atrio restaurant. #caceres
– National Police
Prior to these arrests, authorities conducted extensive work to identify the suspects in Spain and abroad, according to police briefings.
The events occurred on October 27, 2021, at the Atrio de Cáceres hotel, when the individuals currently detained were dining in the restaurant. Reports indicate that the woman presented a counterfeit Swiss document at that time.
After dinner, both suspects visited the restaurant cellar under invitation of the staff, a common practice at the establishment with patrons. They then entered a room, and several minutes later the man returned to the basement where the cellar was located.
Using a master key that had been previously stolen, the man reappeared minutes later carrying three large backpacks, two worn on the back and one held in hand, containing 45 bottles of wine valued at 1,648,500 euros. Among the collection, a single bottle priced at 310,000 euros stood out as unique in the world.
To protect the bottles, towels from the room were used to cushion and conceal the contents.
“The operation demonstrated high professionalism and precise planning”
The woman is said to have gone to the reception to distract an employee, claiming to prepare a meal for him even though the kitchen had already closed.
The following morning, the theft was discovered, and investigators confirmed that the suspects had left the hotel around 5:30 a.m. Police sources stated that those now in custody acted with notable professionalism, expertise, and flawless planning in the heist.
The investigation also revealed that the pair had visited the restaurant up to three times beforehand to conduct a thorough study of the venue.
The Atrio hotel managers, José Polo and Toño Perez, have consistently argued that the robbery was ordered. Of the 45 bottles taken, 38 were the renowned Romanée Conti, and the centerpiece was the Château d’Yquem from 1806, valued at 310,000 euros.
The owners noted that this historic bottle has long symbolized nearly two centuries of European history and memory, a fact highlighted during an auction at Christie’s in 2000, when a similar bottle first drew public attention.