Croatia: Bugatti CEO Mate Rimac reportedly took matters into his own hands after a thief drove away with his personal Bugatti Chiron from the company’s facility in Croatia. The executive pursued the stolen hypercar in a Porsche 911, while his team used the vehicle’s live telemetry system to track its movements and share information with the police.
Rimac later confirmed the incident through videos shared on Instagram, including CCTV footage showing how the theft unfolded and details of the subsequent chase.
In a video explaining the incident, Rimac acknowledged that reports about his stolen car were true. “There is a story about my car being stolen blowing up in the media. And everyone has been asking me whether it’s true. Yes, it’s true. My car was stolen yesterday,” he said.
The incident reportedly ended after Austrian police intercepted the stolen Chiron. The vehicle sustained minor damage to its front bumper, while the suspect was taken into custody, according to the account shared about the incident.
CCTV footage shows how the Chiron was stolen
The CCTV footage shared by Rimac reportedly shows the suspect smoking a cigarette before entering the company’s facility. The individual then noticed that the keys had been left inside the Bugatti Chiron.
The suspect got into the multi-million-dollar hypercar and drove away. The vehicle is powered by an engine producing 1,479 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful models in Bugatti’s Chiron range.
The footage attracted attention because the theft apparently involved an opportunity created by an avoidable security lapse. Rimac later explained that he had developed a habit of leaving keys inside his vehicles, partly to avoid the inconvenience of accidentally locking himself out.
That practice, however, meant the keys were accessible when the suspect entered the facility and spotted the Chiron.
Rimac takes off in a Porsche 911
After an employee noticed the Chiron speeding away from the factory, the incident was reported to other members of the team through the company’s group chat.
Rimac then got behind the wheel of a nearby Porsche 911 and set off in pursuit of the stolen hypercar. The chase became possible not only because of the team’s quick response but also because the Chiron was equipped with a live telemetry system.
The technology allowed the team to monitor the vehicle’s movements and obtain information about its location, speed and fuel level. These updates helped them follow the stolen car even as it moved away from the company’s premises.
Rather than relying solely on visual contact, Rimac and his team could use the vehicle’s connected systems to understand where it was travelling. The information was also relayed to the police, helping authorities coordinate their response.
Live telemetry helps track the stolen hypercar
The Chiron’s built-in telemetry system played a central role in the pursuit. According to Rimac’s account, it provided real-time information about the car’s location, speed and fuel level.
This information allowed the team to monitor the vehicle’s movements as the suspect continued driving. The tracking updates were shared with law enforcement officials, who followed the car’s route.
The pursuit reportedly crossed the border into Austria, turning the incident into a cross-border police operation. The availability of live vehicle information helped the authorities keep track of the stolen hypercar as it travelled away from Croatia.
The incident also highlighted how connected vehicle technology can assist in recovering stolen cars. While tracking systems do not replace police intervention, real-time location and vehicle data can provide useful information during an active pursuit.
Suspect reportedly stopped to refuel
During the journey, the suspect reportedly stopped at a fuel station to refill the Chiron’s tank. According to the account, the individual filled approximately half the tank before driving away without paying the fuel bill.
The stop did not end the pursuit. With the telemetry system continuing to provide updates, the team and police were able to monitor the vehicle’s movements.
Austrian police eventually intercepted the stolen Bugatti and brought the chase to an end. The incident reportedly concluded without a major accident or serious damage to the vehicle.
The Chiron suffered only minor damage to its front bumper. Given the car’s performance capabilities and the circumstances of the pursuit, the limited damage meant the vehicle avoided a more serious outcome.
Bugatti CEO says he will change his approach to car keys
The theft appears to have prompted Rimac to reconsider his habit of leaving vehicle keys inside his cars. The executive reportedly said he would no longer leave keys in his vehicles following the incident.
His account of the theft, accompanied by CCTV footage, offered a glimpse into how the incident unfolded and how the company responded. It also drew attention to the security risks associated with leaving high-value vehicles accessible, even within company premises.
For Bugatti, whose cars are among the most exclusive and expensive performance vehicles in the world, the incident was an unusual security episode. The Chiron’s recovery was aided by its tracking technology and the coordination between the company’s team and police authorities.
Rimac’s pursuit in a Porsche 911 added an unexpected twist to the story, but it was the live telemetry system that proved particularly important in locating the stolen hypercar. The episode serves as a reminder that even sophisticated vehicles and secure facilities can be vulnerable when basic precautions are overlooked.