Louvre Jewel Heist Carried Out by Small-Time Criminals
The brazen daylight robbery at the Louvre was executed by petty criminals rather than members of organized crime, according to Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau. Two of the suspects were described as a couple with children.
“The upper echelons of organised crime are unlikely to be involved,” said Laure Beccuau, noting that one perpetrator remains at large.
The incident occurred when thieves parked a stolen truck outside the museum, used a furniture lift to access the first floor, and broke into one of its most ornate rooms. Within seven minutes, they fled on scooters with crown jewels valued at approximately €88 million (£76 million).
The stolen treasures included an emerald and diamond necklace gifted by Napoleon I to his second wife, Marie Louise, as well as a diadem adorned with 212 pearls and nearly 2,000 diamonds that once belonged to Eugénie, the wife of Napoleon III. Although four individuals have been charged, the jewels remain missing.
Investigation and Public Reaction
The audacious theft, which took place on a Sunday afternoon, has sparked public debate in France about security at national monuments. Authorities continue searching for at least one remaining suspect.
Author's summary: The Louvre jewel heist, executed in minutes by small-time criminals, left France stunned as investigators continue to pursue the missing treasures and those still on the run.