As France prepares for the official start of the Games on Friday evening, the country's security measures are already under strain. Zico, who had traveled to France to attend the Olympics, had his luxury items stolen while traveling in a taxi. The 71-year-old is now facing a significant financial loss due to this unsettling incident.

Zico left his Paris hotel and was traveling with a briefcase containing a diamond necklace, cash, and a high-end Rolex watch, according to Le Parisien. During the taxi ride, one person reportedly distracted the driver while another accessed the rear of the car.

His briefcase was stolen, and the thieves quickly fled with the Brazilian’s valuables in a coordinated operation in the Olympics host city. Police have launched an investigation into the incident, with France's Brigade for the Repression of Banditry expected to lead the search for the culprits.

Zico is in Paris with Brazil's Olympic delegation, which includes numerous athletes aiming for victories in football and other events.

Similar incidents have occurred at the Games, including Argentina head coach Javier Mascherano reporting that his team’s Olympic training base was robbed prior to their match against Morocco.

“They went into training and they robbed us, in the Olympic Games,” Mascherano said following his team’s chaotic 2-1 defeat. “We didn’t want to say anything after training; I don’t think it helps. But obviously, it’s a bit unpleasant that these things happen.” Argentina’s delegation filed a police report after the incident.

Zico’s near multi-million-dollar loss comes amid warnings for tourists to be cautious when using taxis in Paris. More than 11.5 million visitors are expected in the city for the Olympics, according to the tourism board, with taxi drivers and other travel services anticipating a busy summer.