Bugatti CEO Mate Rimac Pursues Thief Who Stole His Personal Chiron

The Incident

Bugatti CEO Mate Rimac recently experienced a rare security lapse when his personal dark blue Bugatti Chiron was stolen from the Rimac Campus in Croatia. According to the company executive, the vehicle had been left unlocked with the keys inside—a common practice at the campus to facilitate easier vehicle testing by engineering staff.

The Sequence of Events

Security footage captured an unidentified man in his 30s scouting the vehicle before driving away from the premises. Upon discovering the theft, Rimac contacted local authorities and utilized the car’s integrated tracking systems to monitor its path. Rimac reported that he personally attempted to pursue the vehicle in his Porsche 911 as it moved toward the Slovenian border.

The Apprehension

• The suspect successfully crossed into Slovenia and eventually entered Austria.
• Austrian police identified and intercepted the vehicle, successfully taking the individual into custody.
• Rimac traveled to the Austrian police station to verify ownership of the Chiron.

During a brief exchange, the suspect claimed he had originally arrived at the Rimac Campus seeking employment before spotting the unattended supercar. The man reportedly expressed an intention to drive the vehicle toward Germany.

Aftermath and Practical Implications

Authorities in Croatia and Austria are expected to pursue legal charges against the suspect. While the Bugatti Chiron was largely recovered without major mechanical issues, Rimac confirmed that the vehicle sustained scuffs to its carbon-fiber front splitter, which will require professional repair. This incident serves as a significant reminder regarding campus security, with Rimac acknowledging that leaving high-value assets unattended, regardless of location, carries substantial risks.