ATHENS, October 4 (RIA Novosti) - An image of a Russian national under arrest warrant over his possible role in the theft of Edgar Degas' painting valued at 6 million euros ($7.5 million), was published in the Cypriot media on Saturday.
Earlier, the police distributed the image of a man, identified as Russian businessman Sergei Tyulenev, 55. According to police description, he is 6 feet tall, has blue eyes and light close-cut hair.
The information on the suspect has been handed over to Interpol.
Tyulenev has reportedly visited the home of an art collector together with two Cypriots, who are currently in custody. The 70-year-old collector has been searching for prospective buyers for his house and a part of the art collection, excluding Degas" masterpiece, though. The painting was stolen from a safe while the collector was away arranging a deal with his lawyers.
The Cyprian media have dubbed the crime "a theft of the century," since the Mediterranean island has not seen such precious pieces of art stolen before. The criminals were apparently targeting the specific canvas, as other expensive paintings from the collection were left untouched, according to Limassol police spokesperson Ioannis Soteriades.
The "Ballerina Adjusting her Slipper" was painted by Degas in 1870. The painting has reportedly come to possession of the Cypriot collector after his grandmother acquired it in Paris. The Degas was reportedly not insured.
