Armed Heist at Lilli Petroli: Manzù and Picasso Works Stolen in Five Million Euro Theft

A highly organized gang of around ten individuals stole sculptures and bas-reliefs attributed to Giacomo Manzù and Pablo Picasso from the Lilli Petroli industrial complex in Oricola, L'Aquila province, Italy. The theft, estimated at four to five million euros, occurred overnight, with the perpetrators entering through the rear around 10 PM and remaining until early morning. They used a Mercedes truck belonging to the company to tear down a heavy steel gate, then loaded the artworks onto a company van. Among the stolen pieces is a monumental bronze Ballerina by Manzù, weighing about ten quintals, along with Testa di Inge and Papa, also attributed to Manzù, and several bas-reliefs by Picasso. The works were acquired over the years by entrepreneur Mauro Lilli through auctions and private collections. The Carabinieri's Cultural Heritage Protection Unit in L'Aquila is investigating, collecting fingerprints, analyzing surveillance footage, and entering the works into the national database of illegally removed cultural assets. The high profile of the artists makes public sale difficult, suggesting the theft may have been commissioned or destined for clandestine international networks. The incident highlights the vulnerability of art held in private corporate settings, which often lack the security of museums.