Louvre Heist: Eight Priceless Crown Jewels Stolen in Paris

The daring heist took place at the Louvre Museum in Paris on October 20, just half an hour after it opened; eight priceless pieces from the French Crown Jewels were stolen from Apollon Galerie.

Among the stolen items were the tiara, necklace, and an earring from Queen Marie Amelie’s sapphire set, as well as an emerald necklace and earrings from Empress Marie-Louise’s parure. The ninth piece, the crown of Napoleon III’s wife, Empress Eugenie, was dropped during the thieves’ escape.

French media report that there were four perpetrators: two disguised as construction workers in yellow safety vests operating a lift, and two others on scooters. Authorities have not yet confirmed these details.

The prosecutor said the robbery lasted six to seven minutes and was carried out by unarmed suspects who threatened guards with an angle grinder, according to Reuters. Authorities are investigating possible inside assistance and are reviewing CCTV footage, examining the crane used, and interviewing staff.

Experts warn that the stolen jewels may be dismantled or sold illegally, making it a race against time to recover them. French officials, including President Emmanuel Macron and Culture Minister Rachida Dati, stressed the urgency of retrieving the items and reviewing museum security.