$3M in Stolen Diamonds Recovered; Theft Gang Operated in Mining Firm

A theft gang has been found operating inside Russian diamond-mining company Alrosa, authorities say.

Russian police found about $3 million in diamonds and $2.5 million in cash at the homes of suspected members of the ring, Reuters reports.

Three suspects, including one Alrosa employee, have been taken into custody.

The theft ring is alleged to have been operating within the company’s sorting and grading department, according to Reuters.

The company said in a statement: “Alrosa completely confirms information from Russia’s FSB (security service) about the interception of an extensive scheme to steal rough diamonds in the company’s United Selling Organisation.”

Alrosa’s security team took part in the investigation.

Reuters quoted the company stating: “A few years ago the company announced its focus on rooting out corruption cases. This focus will be continued.”

Read more at Reuters