The horrifying theft took place in one of Spain’s most prized hotel restaurants. (Representative photo)
A former beauty queen from Mexico has been arrested for her involvement in a robbery at a Spanish restaurant where millions of dollars’ worth of wine was stolen. According to a report in The Telegraph, the woman has been identified by Spanish media as Priscila Lara Guevara, who once participated in the “Miss Earth” contest. The 28-year-old, along with Romanian-Dutch man Constantin Gabriel Dumitru, stole vintage bottles worth $1.5 million, the outlet said in its report, citing Spanish media.
The robbery took place last October in El Atrio, one of Spain’s most prized hotel restaurants. Ms Guevara and Mr Dumitru were caught crossing into Croatia from Montenegro this week, ending a nine-month manhunt. The Telegraph.
During the robbery last year, 45 bottles were stolen from the cellars of the Michelin-starred restaurant, including a rare 19th-century bottle, Sky News reported.
Ms Guevara reportedly “distracted” waiters at the restaurant by ordering room service after the kitchen closed, the outlet said. Her accomplice then opened the wine cellar with a runner and disappeared with several expensive bottles in his backpack, according to the Spanish police.
The couple was caught leaving the restaurant on CCTV footage, after which the manhunt began. It concerned the Spanish, Dutch, Croatian and Romanian police as well as the Interpol.
They were eventually arrested after being identified by Croatian border guards as they crossed into Montenegro.
The couple appeared to have lived in Croatia. They are now being extradited to Spain.
