Authorities in Brazil are investigating a bold and highly coordinated art theft after CCTV footage captured suspected thieves hauling stolen works by Henri Matisse and Candido Portinari through the streets of Sao Paulo. The incident occurred on Sunday, 7 December, when at least thirteen artworks were taken from the Mário de Andrade Library in what officials describe as one of the most significant cultural thefts in recent years.

According to government sources, security footage shows two men carrying the framed pieces out of the library and transporting them to a car parked nearby. Eight of the stolen works were by Matisse, while the remaining five were by renowned Brazilian painter Portinari, whose contributions to modern art are considered nationally invaluable.

Police confirmed that one suspect has already been arrested, but a second individual remains at large. The ongoing investigation suggests that the thieves had detailed knowledge of the building’s layout and security routines, raising concerns about possible inside assistance or pre-planned surveillance.

Sao Paulo officials are now working directly with Interpol to prevent the artworks from being smuggled out of the country. Once removed from Brazil, the pieces could quickly enter black-market channels, making recovery significantly more difficult and risking permanent loss of major cultural assets.

Authorities continue to review additional surveillance footage and interview witnesses as they track the remaining suspect and attempt to locate the missing artworks. The government has emphasized that recovering the pieces is a top priority, given their immense artistic, cultural, and historical value.