Nachrichten.fr · May 22, 2026

Luxury watches, celebrities and organized thefts — Cannes shows its dark side When the Cannes Film Festival opens again, the city will shine: film stars, bright lights, luxury yachts and the usual red carpets. But beneath the glamour, a different spectacle is playing out. In recent years, an increasingly professional form of theft has established itself on the Côte d’Azur — especially focused on expensive watches. Organized groups target rich tourists and their flashy accessories, turning the French Riviera into one of Europe’s hotspots for high-end watch theft. The phenomenon is not new, but its scale and sophistication have grown. Thieves use diversionary tactics, work in teams and take advantage of crowded places, from beach promenades to festival parties. Victims are often startled celebrities or wealthy visitors who are reluctant to speak out for fear of bad publicity. Police report that many stolen watches quickly leave the country, ending up in international grey markets where they are dismantled or laundered through false documents. Local authorities have long complained about shortages of personnel and legal hurdles when it comes to cross-border crime. While police make arrests and some watches are recovered, the underlying networks remain difficult to dismantle. The problem is compounded by a booming luxury market; expensive timepieces are small, highly portable assets with high resale value and relatively few tracing options. For Cannes, which trades on its image as a safe, glamorous destination, the thefts represent a reputational risk. Organizers and local businesses try to reassure visitors with increased security measures during the festival, but experts say that prevention also requires better international cooperation and stronger legal tools to track and seize stolen goods. Ultimately, the story of Cannes is a reminder that where great wealth and visibility meet, criminal entrepreneurs follow. The glittering world of premieres and exclusive parties goes hand in hand with an underworld that profits from it — and for victims, a luxury vacation can quickly turn into a costly loss.