MISSION MINI began as a mystery story, written by best-selling author Val McDermid, about artwork stolen from a Barcelona gallery. The story begins as six actual (and very valuable) masterpieces, created by Peter Halley, are stolen from a contemporary gallery in the Spanish metropolis of Barcelona.
The fictional story continues as private investigator, Sam Cooper, is hired to solve the mystery. Along the way he discovers he needs assistance -- and here is where reality comes in... To help find the stolen art, Sam called upon the general public -- real people from all over the world -- to join him in Barcelona to search for clues. In November, the fictional story will have a real life ending as 80 amateur sleuths from 17 countries, including Canada, compete to solve the crime and recover the stolen art.
Canadians can learn more about the MISSION MINI case and follow details of the investigation on the interactive mini.ca website.
MINI Canada, based in Whitby, Ontario, is a division of BMW Group Canada and is responsible for the sale and distribution of the MINI Cooper and the MINI Cooper S. MINI is a separate brand within the BMW Group which alongside BMW forms a second important pillar of the BMW Group's premium brand strategy. A network of 15 retail organizations represents MINI across the country. MINI is sold worldwide as a global brand.