A precious jewel pendant crafted more than a century ago for the then Austrian queen has been recovered in central Canada after being stolen nine years ago, local media reported Friday.

The jewel, named the Koechert Diamond Pearl, was designed for Empress Elisabeth of Austria in 1864. It went missing from a palace in Vienna in 1998.

The gem was discovered in Winnipeg in central Manitoba province, when police were searching the home of the alleged ringleader of an organized crime outfit police say stretches across Western Canada, Canadian Television reported.

The ringleader, 35-year-old Gerald Daniel Blanchard, was arrested in January. He now faces 41 charges.

Investigators said he has an incredible knowledge of electronics unknown to most police in Canada, and allegedly used that talent to help the group in a crime spree that last for several years and spanned three continents.

The gem "was on exhibit in an alarmed, glass, secure case. Someone with enough talent or sophistication was able to steal it during the day," police spokesman Tom Legge said.

Another seven people were also arrested in several Canadian cities. The group faces numerous charges including fraud and participation in a criminal organization.

Police also allege they used fake passports, robbed banks and traded in firearms. But most of their money may have come from stolen credit card information, which they transferred to London.