Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has revealed the theft of a 3,000-year-old Pharaonic bracelet from the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, stating that it had been melted down and converted into gold jewelry.

Authorities arrested four suspects, including a museum restoration employee who admitted handing the bracelet to a silver shop owner.

Investigations revealed that the bracelet had been sold multiple times before being melted, fetching over $7,000.

The public prosecution continues its probe amid criticism of lax security at the museum.