Art Heist Five: The National Fine Arts Museum
Where: Asuncion, Paraguay
When: 2002
Why it's impressive: It takes months to dig an 80-foot tunnel.
In July 2002, Paraguay hosted the most valuable art exhibition in its history. Befitting the occasion, a group of criminals broke in and stole five paintings.
As it turns out, the break-in was months in the planning. At least one man rented a store about 80 feet (25 meters) from the National Fine Arts Museum in Asuncion. Authorities believe he then went about recruiting people to help him dig a tunnel 10 feet underground, running from the shop to the museum. It most likely took two months to complete the tunnel, and after closing time on July 30, 2002, the criminals used it to enter the museum unnoticed.
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Thieves dug an 80-foot tunnel through Asuncion, Paraguay, to reach the National Fine Arts Museum.
The thieves left with more than a million dollars worth of art. The stolen works included "Self Portrait" by Esteban Murillo, "The Virgin Mary and Jesus" by Gustave Coubert and Adolphe Piot's "Landscape." Paraguay now has at least three suspects based on a lead from a witness who claims she was asked by the heist's mastermind to be part of the operation [source: Museum Security]. The paintings are still missing.
Getting in and out underground is a feat. Getting in and out above ground in broad daylight is even more impressive.
