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Switzerland Launches Nationwide Hunt for Zurich Jewel Robbers

Three robbers escaped with around $1 million in jewelry, cash and gems after targeting an exclusive shop in the Swiss city of Zurich,police said.
Image: Suspect in Zurich jewel heist
One of the suspects being hunted after Saturday's robbery in Zurich, Switzerland.Stadtpolizei Zurich

MAINZ, Germany — Three robbers escaped with around $1 million in jewelry, cash and gems after targeting an exclusive shop in the Swiss city of Zurich, authorities said.

A nationwide manhunt was launched after the culprits “suddenly pulled a handgun and threatened the sales personnel" at the Harry Hofmann jewelry store, according to a police statement. The thieves escaped on foot.

Forensics experts examined the crime scene and detectives questioned neighbors following Saturday's heist.

“We have received several leads, but the investigation is ongoing,” a police spokesman told NBC News on Monday.

Image: Suspect in Zurich heist
A second suspect in the Zurich heist.Stadtpolizei Zurich

Officials issued two surveillance photos of the suspects, adding that two "spoke broken German."

The retailer's website says its specializes in “dazzling estate jewelry." The firm declined to comment when contacted by NBC News.

However, several media outlets reported on a possible link between the Zurich robbery and a heist in Dusseldorf, Germany, last May that netted 14 watches worth more than $500,000.