A Qatari royal robbed on a train is giving me a strong sense of déjà vu, as only last year reports flooded the internet claiming Princess Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani was robbed of eleven Hermès bags while traveling on a TGV train from Nice to Paris. That news, however, turned out to be false, and she denied any such occurrence. This time, according to Paris Match, a Qatari prince actually became the victim of theft while traveling on Thursday, April 3, between the Ain department and Paris.
The luggage of the 39-year-old royal family member (the Qatari royal family’s net worth is around $350 billion) was stolen as the train stopped at either Bellegarde-sur-Valserine (Haute-Savoie) or Bourg-en-Bresse (Ain) stations, according to initial statements from the plaintiff. The Banditry Repression Brigade (BRB) has been assigned to the investigation.
Interestingly, the luggage itself was extremely valuable in addition to the belongings it held. The prince’s path was blocked in the train’s passageway while an accomplice gained access to his two Hermès suitcases. The victim revealed that his nearly $13,000 Hermès Cabin Suitcase contained several luxury watches. Among the valuables stolen were four Richard Mille and Rolex watches, estimated at approximately $535,000, $375,000, $160,000, and $54,000. Including the value of the Hermès suitcases, the total damages soared to around $1.25 million.
As expected, the royal did not waste any time and filed a complaint at the police station as soon as he arrived at the Gare de Lyon in Paris. Whether his wealth is matched by luck remains to be seen, if he recovers his belongings, he’ll have dodged a major loss. If not, the incident will serve as a harsh reminder that even the world’s richest aren’t immune to brazen thefts while in transit.
