The Pink Panthers International

While not related to the bumbling Inspector Clouseau, this organized crime team derived its moniker from the comedy film series. Composed of Siberian, Montenegrin, and Yugoslavian ex-military left over from the Bosnian War, The Pink Panthers have around 200 to 300 active members with elite skills.

Responsible for some of the world’s most high-profile heists amounting to nearly $1 billion in stolen jewels and gold, the Pink Panthers have elevated their thefts to an art form.

Since 2001, the group has targeted luxury jewelry stores in the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Australia, and the United States. In 2007, Interpol created the Pink Panther Project, bringing together international law enforcement. Since then, authorities have arrested only a fraction of its members.

Formation of the Pink Panthers

Here’s a gross oversimplification of a very complex situation.

When the president of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Marshal Josip Broz Tito, died in 1980, separatist groups fought for control of the region. The once ethnically diverse nation devolved into civil war. Then the United Nations imposed sanctions, crippling the country further.

Old Bridge, Mostar, Bosnia survived the Bosnia War (Kevin Botto)

During this time, many turned to smuggling for survival, bootlegging anything from jeans to guns…