Four French Nationals Charged in 'Movie-Like' $10 Million Canberra Luxury Goods Heist

Alleged Targeted Burglary Shocks Canberra

Four French nationals have been charged in connection with an alleged targeted burglary in Canberra, Australia, where luxury goods valued at approximately $10 million were stolen. The incident, which occurred on October 15, 2025, involved the theft of more than 70 high-end items, prompting police to describe the operation as 'something like a movie' due to its sophisticated nature.

According to ACT Policing, the four men allegedly flew from France to Australia, arriving on October 7, 2025. Investigators believe the group meticulously planned the heist, with a rented Mitsubishi Outlander seen in the vicinity of the targeted home multiple times before the burglary. CCTV footage reportedly shows two individuals breaking into the residence.

Arrests and Charges

Following extensive investigations, the four French nationals were apprehended on October 19, 2025, at a fast-food restaurant in Wentworthville, New South Wales. They were subsequently extradited to the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) on October 21, 2025, and each charged with aggravated burglary – intent to commit theft and joint commission theft. The case is scheduled to return to the ACT Magistrates Court in January.

Detective Acting Inspector Mark Battye of ACT Policing commented on the unusual nature of the crime, stating, 'I've never seen a burglary of this magnitude occur here in Canberra and the manner in which it occurred with people flying over from the other side of the world to do this targeted burglary is something like a movie.' He also noted the alleged offenders went to 'so many lengths' to conceal their identities.

Stolen and Recovered Valuables

The extensive list of stolen items, with an estimated total value of $10 million, included a variety of luxury goods. Among them were:

• A Richard Mille RM88 (Smiley) watch, valued between $5 million and $8.5 million.
• Multiple Hermes handbags.
• A Van Cleef Seoul necklace.
• A Patek Philippe 5711 Tiffany watch.
• Hermes Chaos and Gavroche rings.
• A Patek Philippe 5711 40th anniversary watch.

Some of the stolen property, including several Hermes handbags, was recovered during a search warrant executed at a short-term rental residence in Wentworthville on October 20, 2025. Additionally, some items believed to be linked to the burglary were intercepted and recovered by French authorities in Europe, indicating international cooperation in the investigation.

Ongoing Investigation

Despite the arrests and partial recovery, watches worth approximately $8.5 million remain missing. ACT Policing is continuing to work with NSW Police and French authorities to locate the outstanding items. Police have appealed to the public for assistance, noting that the items are 'distinctive, valuable and cannot be easily on-sold.'