PARIS – In an audacious daylight robbery, a group of unidentified thieves stole eight priceless royal-era jewels from the Louvre Museum, prompting an intense nationwide manhunt by French authorities.
According to officials, the thieves struck the museum’s famed Apollo Gallery — home to France’s Crown Jewels — in a precisely timed seven-minute operation. The suspects reportedly used a truck-mounted lift to access a second-floor window before smashing display cases and escaping with jewellery of immense historical value.
The Heist That Shook Paris
Investigators revealed that one of the stolen artefacts, a diamond-studded crown belonging to Empress Eugénie, was found damaged and abandoned outside the museum shortly after the raid. Police believe the group was highly organised and may have had links to professional criminal networks.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as alarms blared and visitors were evacuated. The suspects fled on two scooters, disappearing into Paris traffic before police could respond.
France on High Alert
French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin condemned the robbery, calling it a “national embarrassment” and vowing to recover the stolen artefacts. The Louvre, one of the world’s most visited museums, has temporarily closed its doors as forensic experts review surveillance footage and trace possible escape routes.
Security analysts warn that the stolen items may be dismantled or altered to obscure their origins, making recovery extremely difficult. Experts say that the first 48 hours after such a heist are critical before the jewels disappear into the international black market.
Cultural Loss Beyond Measure
The stolen collection included jewellery pieces dating back to the 19th century, representing France’s royal heritage and the craftsmanship of its imperial era. Historians and curators have described the loss as “devastating,” both culturally and symbolically.
The Louvre has since reinforced its security protocols as investigators continue the pursuit of what has been described as one of the most sophisticated museum robberies in recent French history.
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