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.
Former Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili has been sentenced to five years in prison, fined one million lari, and had $6.5 million and severa...
Russia’s Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu has condemned what he described as another attempt by external forces to interfere in Iran’s int...
Venezuela has released 116 detainees in a new wave of prisoner releases, according to the Penitentiary Services Ministry....
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has thanked Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for the country’s decision to join the Abraham ...
The European Parliament has announced a ban on Iranian diplomats following the government’s response to nationwide protests in Iran. President Rober...
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.
Timothée Chalamet won the Golden Globe for best male actor in a musical or comedy on Sunday for his role in Marty Supreme, beating strong competition in one of the night’s most closely watched categories.
Hawaii’s Kīlauea volcano is showing increased activity, with lava flowing from two summit craters and flames, smoke and ash rising from the caldera.
Bob Weir, the rhythm guitarist, songwriter and co-founder of the Grateful Dead, has died at the age of 78, his family has said.
The United States’ actions in Venezuela have clearly demonstrated not only that Latin America remains firmly in Washington’s geopolitical orbit, but also that the U.S. is the only global superpower.
Despite facing challenges in chip manufacturing, Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) researchers are optimistic about narrowing the technological gap with the United States, driven by an increasing culture of risk-taking and innovation.
Timothée Chalamet won the Golden Globe for best male actor in a musical or comedy on Sunday for his role in Marty Supreme, beating strong competition in one of the night’s most closely watched categories.
Teyana Taylor and Stellan Skarsgård were among the first winners at the Golden Globe Awards on Sunday, as Hollywood’s annual awards season got under way in Beverly Hills.
Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet and other top names will compete for top honours at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards, a key event in the run-up to the Academy Awards. The ceremony is due to take place on Sunday in Beverly Hills, California, recognising achievements across film and television.
Bob Weir, the rhythm guitarist, songwriter and co-founder of the Grateful Dead, has died at the age of 78, his family has said.
Beyoncé has officially joined the billionaire club, becoming the fifth musician to reach a 10-figure fortune, Forbes reports.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment