Rio Carnival Heist of 2006

During Brazil's vibrant Carnival celebration in February 2006, four armed men cunningly infiltrated Rio's Chacara do Ceu Museum just before closing time, posing as eager visitors in line. They brandished firearms and a grenade, forcing visitors and guards into the security office. Security staff were coerced into disabling alarms and cutting off surveillance cameras. They made off with four masterpieces by renowned artists: Monet, Matisse, Picasso, and Dali, collectively valued at $50 million. Additionally, they robbed the museum's visitors and confiscated security tapes. One security guard attempted to subdue the robbers but was brutally beaten. The thieves then swiftly vanished into the carnival revelry, making their escape with accomplices waiting in a van.

The stolen artworks included Picasso's "The Dance" and a book titled "Toros" by Picasso, Monet's "Marine," Matisse's "Garden of Luxembourg," and Dali's "Two Balconies." These priceless pieces represented a significant portion of the museum's collection, with some being the only works by these artists displayed in public exhibition in Latin America.