FEB 20, 2026On February 20, 2026, Miguel Simon Mungarrieta Monsalve, 52, was charged with stealing four Egyptian artifacts from the Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology in Caboolture, Queensland, Australia, after police recovered three artifacts in his vehicle and the fourth on his person. As of February 20, 2026, Monsalve faces charges including breaking and entering and three counts of wilful damage, with prosecutors stating he allegedly believed it was his duty to return the artifacts to their rightful place. The stolen items, including a rare painted wooden cat figure, a 3,300-year-old necklace, and a mummy mask, were recovered with minor damage, though other objects were damaged beyond restoration, with the total financial impact exceeding $100,000.
FEB 20, 2026Miguel Simon Mungarrieta Monsalve, 52, has been charged for stealing four Egyptian artifacts from the Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology. Monsalve allegedly believed it was his duty to acquire the artifacts and return them to their rightful place. Police recovered three artifacts in his vehicle and the fourth on his person.
FEB 18, 2026The suspect arrested in connection with the theft of Egyptian artifacts from the Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology has been identified as Miguel Simon Mungarrieta Monsalve. Prosecutors revealed that Monsalve allegedly believed it was his duty to acquire the artifacts and return them to their rightful place. The stolen items were recovered with minor damage.