The bracelet belonged to Pharaoh Amenemope, who reigned about 3,000 years ago. Four suspects have been arrested, the Interior Ministry said
Egyptians reacted with outrage this week after officials said that a 3,000-year-old bracelet that had belonged to an ancient pharaoh was stolen from Cairo’s famed Egyptian Museum and then melted down for gold.
Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathy said in televised comments late on Saturday that the bracelet was stolen on September 9 while officials at the museum were preparing artefacts for an exhibition in Italy.
He blamed “laxity” in implementing procedures at the facility and said prosecutors were still investigating.
The bracelet, containing a lapis lazuli bead, belonged to Pharaoh Amenemope, who reigned about 3,000 years ago. Authorities said it was taken from a restoration lab at the museum and then funnelled through a chain of dealers before being melted down. The minister said the lab did not have security cameras.
