UPDATE: Suspect in Custody
Austin Police Department has arrested a suspect in connection with the Richard Mille watch robberies that occurred during the 2025 US Grand Prix weekend. The suspect is believed to be part of an organized theft ring targeting luxury watch owners at high-profile events.
Targeted Luxury Watch Thefts
During the 2025 United States Grand Prix held at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, multiple attendees reported thefts of high-value Richard Mille watches. The thefts occurred both at the circuit and at nearby hotels and restaurants frequented by Formula 1 fans and VIP guests.
Richard Mille watches are among the most expensive and sought-after timepieces in the world, with prices typically ranging from $80,000 to over $1 million. The brand has strong ties to Formula 1, sponsoring several teams and drivers.
Incidents Reported
Circuit Parking Area Theft
At least two attendees reported armed robberies in the COTA parking areas, with thieves specifically demanding luxury watches. One victim lost a Richard Mille RM 055 valued at approximately $150,000.
Downtown Austin Hotel
A VIP guest staying at a luxury downtown hotel was robbed at gunpoint outside the property. The stolen Richard Mille RM 27-04 Rafael Nadal watch is valued at over $1 million.
Restaurant Robbery
Multiple reports of sophisticated pickpocketing and distraction thefts at high-end Austin restaurants during race weekend.
Why Richard Mille Watches?
Richard Mille timepieces are particularly attractive targets for thieves:
- • Extremely high resale value on black market
- • Instantly recognizable to knowledgeable criminals
- • Small and easily concealed after theft
- • Strong demand in international gray markets
- • Often worn openly by wealthy individuals at events
- • Formula 1's association with wealth and luxury
Organized Crime Connection
Law enforcement officials believe the thefts were coordinated by an organized crime group that specifically targets luxury watch owners at high-profile sporting events. Similar patterns have been observed at:
- • Miami Grand Prix (earlier in 2025)
- • Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas
- • Monaco Grand Prix
- • Cannes Film Festival
Investigation & Arrest
The Austin Police Department, working with the FBI and international partners, arrested a suspect believed to be a member of a South American theft ring specializing in luxury watches. The investigation uncovered:
- • Sophisticated surveillance operations targeting specific individuals
- • Networks for quickly moving stolen goods out of the country
- • Connections to similar thefts in Europe and South America
- • Social media monitoring to identify high-value targets
Safety Recommendations for Luxury Watch Owners
- • Avoid displaying luxury watches in parking areas and isolated locations
- • Use hotel safes for valuable timepieces when not wearing them
- • Be aware of surroundings at high-profile events
- • Consider insurance and detailed documentation of valuable items
- • Travel with security if carrying extremely high-value pieces
- • Report suspicious behavior to event security immediately
Impact on Future Events
The robberies have prompted Circuit of the Americas and local law enforcement to review security procedures for future events. Enhanced measures may include:
- • Increased police presence in parking areas
- • Better lighting and surveillance in vulnerable locations
- • Coordination with luxury hotels to improve guest security
- • Public awareness campaigns about theft risks
The 2025 US Grand Prix incidents serve as a reminder that high-profile events attract not only fans and celebrities but also organized criminals targeting the wealthy attendees.