A fast‑moving crime at the Louvre stole more than 100 million – a record‑breaking haul that left Paris scrambling for the thieves.
Police say four masked men dressed as construction workers broke into the famous museum on Sunday and fled with a collection of priceless jewels worth about €88 million (US$102 million).
The thieves used a construction lift to reach a second‑floor window, broke a glass case with an angle grinder and slipped into the Apollon Gallery. The alarm triggered, but guards were busy with regular visitors.
The stolen items include:
- A diamond and sapphire tiara that once belonged to Queen Marie‑Amélie, wife of Napoleon III
- Sapphire and diamond necklace and earrings
- An emerald necklace and earrings that belonged to Marie‑Louise, Napoleon’s second wife
- A reliquary brooch that could hold a sacred relic
- A titanium‑gold tiara and bodice knot of Empress Eugénie
An imperial crown with more than 1,300 diamonds, once owned by Empress Eugénie, was left behind when the thieves slipped out on scooters. Police recovered a motorcycle helmet and a glove that linked to one of the robbers.
Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau told a French radio station Tuesday that the money lost is “extremely spectacular” but warns that the historical value of the jewels is immeasurable. She said the criminals likely will melt down the gems – but “they will never earn the true value of those 88 million euros.” “We hope they won’t destroy the jewels,” she added.
No suspects have been identified yet. Investigators are pulling DNA from the items left at the scene and expect that more team members helped the four robbers. The police are calling the incident “a major security failure” and have vowed to pursue the thieves.
The incident has sparked international scrutiny over the Louvre’s security and the protection of cultural heritage. Visitors and collectors alike are watching as the police investigate the rapid heist that shocked the world and reminded everyone that even the safest museums can be breached.
Source: New York Post
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