The Louvre, one of the world’s most visited museums, saw its priceless 19th-century crown jewels stolen in just seven minutes.
Thieves smashed an upstairs window and escaped on scooters with eight invaluable pieces, shocking world and raising urgent questions about museum security.
How did the theft unfold?
The robbery happened on Sunday morning (19 October), between 09:30 and 09:40 local time, shortly after the museum opened.
Four masked thieves used a vehicle-mounted mechanical lift to reach an upper window leading into the Galerie d’Apollon (Apollo Gallery), near the Seine River.
Two of them cut through the glass panes with battery-powered tools and entered the gallery.
They threatened the guards, who evacuated visitors from area, and stole items from two display cases.
A preliminary report revealed that one in three rooms in the targeted area had no CCTV cameras, making the theft easier.
The gang attempted to set fire to their vehicle outside but were stopped by museum staff.
What jewels were stolen?
The Culture Ministry confirmed that eight pieces were stolen, including a tiara, necklace, and earring from the sapphire set of Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense.
An emerald necklace and matching earrings from the Marie-Louise set, the reliquary brooch, and a tiara and large bodice knot (brooch) belonging to Empress Eugénie were also part of the loot.
The crown of Empress Eugénie was later found outside the museum, dropped during the escape.
These jewels, adorned with diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires, are considered priceless and of immense heritage value, representing France’s cultural history.
How professional was the robbery?
Authorities described the thieves as experienced, executing a carefully planned operation that lasted less than ten minutes. The robbers were unarmed but highly organised, escaping on two scooters.
Approximately 60 investigators are handling the case, with prosecutors suggesting that the heist may have been commissioned by a criminal organisation.
They also said the jewels would possibly be resold or dismantled for precious materials.
Museum security and reopening
The Louvre remains closed indefinitely, with refunds offered to visitors who booked tickets.
Police and security personnel are stationed around the museum’s entrances, and metal barriers have been installed.
The museum could reopen Wednesday (22 October) at the earliest, as it is normally closed on Tuesdays.
Public reaction
The theft sparked outrage in France. President Emmanuel Macron called it “an attack on our history,” while opposition politicians called it an intolerable humiliation.
Experts warn that if the jewels are dismantled, recovery could be extremely difficult.
U.S. President Donald Trump has criticised the release of photographs linking former President Bill Clinton to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey...
A massive Russian strike on Ukraine killed at least three people, including a four-year-old, as air raids and power outages hit cities nationwide. Pre...
Negotiations conducted with the United States and European nations, aimed at ending the nearly four-year war with Russia, were "very close to a real r...
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 23rd of December, covering the latest developments you need to...
The U.S. State Department has authorised a potential Foreign Military Sale of Advanced Medium Range Air‑to‑Air Missiles (AMRAAM) to Denmark, aimed...
Two men accused of stealing €88 million worth of jewels from Paris’ Louvre Museum have been charged and remanded in custody, as investigators continue to search for the missing treasures.
Police have arrested five more suspects linked to the theft of treasures worth $102 million from the Louvre museum's Apollo gallery, the Paris prosecutor said on Thursday.
Vince Zampella, co-creator of the Call of Duty gaming franchise, has died in a car crash involving a Ferrari crash on Monday in Los Angeles, United States.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is monitoring recent Iranian military exercises and will raise the issue with U.S. President Donald Trump during his visit to Washington next week.
A major power outage swept across San Francisco on Saturday, leaving up to 130,000 customers without electricity, disrupting traffic and forcing some businesses to close temporarily, officials said.
Israel’s government has approved the creation of 19 new Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, a move that analysts say further undermines the prospects for a viable Palestinian state.
The European Union stands at a crossroads: to receive new members and accelerate the enlargement process in order to strengthen its role in the international arena, or to risk strategic stagnation by delaying expansion in favor of internal reform.
Director James Cameron has shared the key reasons behind the global success of Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third installment in one of the highest-grossing film franchises of all time. In an interview with China Media Group in Hainan Province, Cameron spoke about the universal appeal of the film.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has become the world’s richest individual, with a net worth of US$749 billion, after the Delaware Supreme Court reinstated $139 billion in stock options that were voided last year, according to Forbes’ billionaires index.
A rare pair of bright-green Nike “Grinch” sneakers worn and signed by the late NBA legend Kobe Bryant have gone on public display in Beverly Hills, ahead of an auction that could set a new record for sports memorabilia.
The Games of the Future 2025 kicked off with an opening ceremony, merging physical sports and digital e-sports to create a unique "phygital" category.
In a ground-breaking development, artificial intelligence (AI) is taking on new forms in Japan, where it has extended to a more personal and intimate domain being romantic relationships.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment