Sweden's Stolen Crown Jewels 'Likely' Found In Trash Can

Authorities in Sweden believe they have discovered a pair of 17th-century crowns and a royal orb which were stolen last summer from the Strängnäs Cathedral. The missing crown jewels, which belonged to King Karl IX and Queen Kristina turned up in the unlikeliest of places, a trashcan in the suburb of Åkersberga.

“Every indication now suggests that Karl IX's stolen funeral regalia has been found in the Stockholm area, but the police are working intensively to have it confirmed 100 percent,” Swedish police said in a statement.

The crown jewels were stolen last July in a brazen mid-day heist at the Strängnäs Cathedral, which was open to the public when the theft occurred. Officials said that the thieves managed to escape in a speedboat. Authorities were able to track down one of the suspects because he left blood at the crime scene. The 22-year-old is currently on trial for his alleged role in the theft, though authorities said they may postpone the trial following the discovery of the missing jewels.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons