Ninoslava Jovic added to Europol most-wanted after €40m TEFAF jewellery heist

Dutch police, working with Europol, have issued an international wanted notice for Ninoslava Jovic (41) of Niš, who is suspected of playing an assisting role in one of Europe’s largest jewellery robberies.

The case concerns the dramatic theft at the prestigious TEFAF art and antiques fair in Maastricht. The robbery took place on 28 June 2022, when jewels with an estimated value of €40 million were taken.

Rewards announced and suspects named

Jovic has been placed on Europe’s most-wanted lists, with her photograph and a detailed description published on the official sites of the Dutch police and Europol. Investigators say she is believed to be residing in Serbia and was last seen in her hometown of Niš.

For information leading to her arrest the Dutch public prosecutor’s office is offering a reward of €20,000, while an insurance company has put up €600,000 for every tip that helps recover the stolen diamond jewellery.

According to police accounts, four men carried out the theft. Disguised as ordinary visitors during the TEFAF fair, they smashed protective glass display cases with hammers and left with a haul of high-value pieces, including a unique necklace set with a rare yellow diamond valued at €27 million.

Only a small portion of the stolen valuables was later traced to Hong Kong, Israel and Botswana. Authorities say Jovic is one of five Serbian nationals sought in connection with the crime; the others named on the warrants are Aleksandar Cenic (50), Aleksandar Stojiljkovic (50), Dusko Dimitrijevic (50) and Bratislav Stojanovic (41). Investigators suspect the four men are members of the notorious “Pink Panthers” criminal network.

Dutch authorities and Europol are urging anyone with information about Ninoslava Jovic or the other suspects to contact their nearest police station immediately.

Photo: press material from the event