Security firm persists in the Green Vault, undeterred by ongoing legal battles
As of July 2025, the legal dispute between the Free State and the Dresden Security Institute (DWSI) following the Green Vault break-in in 2019 remains unresolved, with no recent updates available in the public domain. The incident, which resulted in the theft of 21 pieces of jewelry worth 116.8 million euros, is one of the most spectacular art thefts in Germany's history.
The Free State has accused DWSI of negligent misconduct and breach of contractual obligations by individuals within the institute. However, it's important to note that the art theft is not directly linked to any DWSI employee. The State Art Collections (SKD), of which the Green Vault is a part, has continued its cooperation with DWSI.
In a significant development, a large part of the loot was returned during the trial at the Regional Court at the end of 2022. Five young men from the Berlin Remmo clan were convicted as perpetrators of the art theft, although appeals are still pending.
Despite the ongoing legal dispute, the SKD has maintained confidence in DWSI employees, stating that the majority have fulfilled their duties correctly, responsibly, and with above-average commitment. The SKD announced the awarding of the contract to DWSI for the security of the State Art Collections following a tender in 2020.
The SKD is legally obliged to sue DWSI for damages due to the break-in at the Green Vault. However, a legal review has found that the civil lawsuit by the Free State cannot influence the tender process. The guards on duty during the break-in have been suspended, and the existing security concept for the State Art Collections is being revised.
As the legal dispute continues, it is crucial to refer to official statements from the involved entities or legal databases specialising in German or international art crime law for authoritative updates. The revised security concept for the State Art Collections is currently underway, aiming to ensure the safety and protection of the priceless art collection.
- The free state is pursuing a legal case against the Dresden Security Institute (DWSI) for negligent misconduct and breach of contract, despite maintaining partnership with the institute in terms of business and general-news.
- In the crime-and-justice sector, five members of the Berlin Remmo clan were convicted for the Green Vault art theft, though appeals are yet to be resolved, and a significant part of the stolen jewelry was recovered during the trial.