Major Jewel Theft at the Louvre Prompts Government Response
An estimated $102 million in historic jewels were stolen from the Louvre Museum in Paris, prompting French lawmakers to summon the museum’s director for questioning. The theft occurred in the Apollo Gallery, which houses part of France’s crown jewel collection.
Laurence des Cars, the museum’s director, is scheduled to appear before the Senate Culture Committee to explain how the security breach occurred.
Details of the Heist
Authorities confirmed that nine pieces of royal jewelry were taken. The thieves reportedly broke into the museum using equipment to reach and smash display cases in a targeted operation.
French prosecutors described the estimated value of the jewels as “spectacular,” but said the greater loss is cultural and historical. Investigators are concerned the artifacts could be damaged or dismantled.
Investigation and Suspects
Hundreds of officers are involved in the investigation. Four main suspects have been identified, though authorities believe others may have assisted.
Police are also linking this case to a separate burglary last month, when $1.7 million in gold nuggets were stolen from the Paris Natural History Museum. A woman has been indicted in that case for organized theft and conspiracy.
Both incidents are being investigated as organized criminal acts.
High-Value Items Taken
Among the stolen pieces are items from the collections of Queen Marie-Amélie, Queen Hortense, and Empress Eugénie. These include:
- A pearl and diamond tiara
- Emerald jewelry belonging to royal family collections
- Other historically significant pieces from France’s imperial era
Government and Public Reaction
French President Emmanuel Macron called the heist an “attack on national heritage” and vowed the thieves would be caught.
Culture Minister Rachida Dati said the thieves knew the layout of the museum and moved directly to specific cases. She suggested increased police presence inside the museum as part of new security measures.
Dati did not dismiss the possibility of an inside role in the heist.
Security Failures Under Scrutiny
A forthcoming report by France’s national auditing body found that parts of the Louvre still lack full surveillance coverage. Some wings reportedly have only 25–40% camera coverage. The Apollo Gallery, where the jewels were housed, was not part of these under-covered zones but still fell victim to security gaps.
Despite previous studies recommending improved security from 2019 to 2024, implementation has been slow.
The Louvre was temporarily closed following the theft, and ticket holders are being refunded.
Related Coverage
- Idaho News – https://idahonews.co/idaho-news-3/
- National News – https://idahonews.co/national-news/
- Global News – https://idahonews.co/global-news/
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