FBI turns to Internet to solve $500 million Gardner heist

It was the largest property crime in U.S. history, one shrouded in mystery for 23 years. Now the agency is turning to cyberspace as it trumpets a breakthrough in the case.

Maybe the Internet can lend a hand in resolving a two decades-plus mystery surrounding the biggest property heist in U.S. history. On March 18, 1990, a couple of robbers wearing police uniforms entered Boston's stately Isabella Gardner Museum, tied up the security guards, and ripped off 13 objects valued at up to $500 million. Earlier today, the feds announced a breakthrough: The agency now knows the identity of the thieves and where the stolen art was transported. But in a bid to get out the word, the FBI has put together a Web site carrying updates about the mysterious case and cataloging the stolen objects of art -- as well as publicizing the $5 million reward put out by the Gardner Museum.