Jewel Thief’s Shame: Customs Detective Foils $12,000 Heist on the High Seas

In a brazen attempt to smuggle a small fortune in jewelry, Carl M. Hinderberger, a second-class cabin passenger on the steamship Paris, was caught red-handed by Customs Detective Donohue on July 24, 1897.

The unsuspecting traveler, who had been making landfall in New York, was found to be carrying an astonishing array of jewelry, valued at a staggering $12,000. Among the illicit cargo were twenty-five diamond and opal rings, twenty-six diamond brooches, seven diamond scarf pins, and thirteen gold chains, not to mention three opals, sixteen unset diamonds and rubies, four diamond earrings, and three watches.

It was a haul that would make even the most seasoned jewel thief green with envy. But it was Hinderberger’s telltale bulge and nervous demeanor that ultimately led to his downfall. As the customs boat approached the ship, Donohue’s trained eye spotted the telltale signs of a smuggler. Hinderberger’s pockets were bulging, and his waistband seemed to be straining under the weight of his precious cargo.

When the ship docked, Donohue pounced, apprehending Hinderberger and confiscating the stolen goods. It was a major coup for the customs service, and a welcome boost to their efforts to combat the growing problem of jewelry smuggling.

But Hinderberger was not the only one caught up in the web of deceit. His accomplice, J.W. Hall, was also arrested, found to be in possession of diamond rings and other jewelry that he had failed to declare.

As the case unfolded, it became clear that jewelry smuggling had become a disturbingly frequent occurrence. But thanks to the vigilance of Detective Donohue and the customs service, one would-be thief had been brought to justice, and a small fortune in stolen goods had been recovered.