Undercover Operation Leads to Recovery of Stolen Ming Dynasty Vase, Thieves Arrested




Three men were convicted and sentenced to prison for stealing a valuable Ming Dynasty vase (pictured above) from a museum in Geneva, Switzerland. 

The vase was returned to the museum after police carried out an undercover operation to catch the thieves.

The vase was stolen in a burglary in June 2019. The thieves broke into the museum and stole the vase, along with two other items.

The police investigation lasted for four years. The police worked closely with Swiss authorities to track down the thieves.


In October 2021, the police received a tip that the vase was being offered for sale. 

The police set up an undercover operation and posed as buyers. The thieves agreed to sell the vase for £450,000.

Mbaki Nkhwa - Suspect

David Lamming - Suspect


Kaine Wright - Suspect

The police arrested the thieves when they met to sell the vase. The vase was returned to the museum.

The three men were convicted of conspiracy to convert criminal property. They were sentenced to prison terms of three years, two years, and one year.

The police are still appealing for information about the whereabouts of the two other stolen items.


Ming Dynasty cup, another stolen item yet to be recovered


In another news, a wealthy dentist has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his wife while they were on a vacation. See detailed story here

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