In one of the most audacious daylight robberies in modern French history, thieves broke into the Louvre Museum in Paris and stole eight pieces of imperial jewellery in under ten minutes.
The break-in, which took place on Sunday morning, has stunned authorities and raised urgent questions about the security of the world’s most-visited museum.
The robbery targeted the Galerie d’Apollon, home to the French crown jewels and the famed Regent Diamond.
While the diamond itself was left untouched, the stolen collection includes priceless tiaras, brooches, necklaces, and earrings dating back to the 19th century.
How the heist unfolded
At about 9:30 am local time on 19 October 2025, four masked thieves arrived outside the Louvre on the banks of the Seine.
Using a truck fitted with a mechanical lift, they ascended to a first-floor balcony window that offered direct access to the Galerie d’Apollon.
Investigators say the group used power tools — including an angle grinder and cutting discs — to slice through the glass and enter the building.
Once inside, the robbers smashed two display cases containing imperial jewellery, collected their loot, and escaped on scooters waiting nearby.
The entire operation was over in less than seven minutes. No injuries were reported, but museum staff triggered an evacuation and police locked down surrounding streets.
Security footage shows the thieves acting with military-like precision.
Two of them were reportedly dressed as construction workers, blending into the area where ongoing renovation work had temporarily reduced security checks.
The museum’s alarms went off as planned, but by the time guards reached the gallery, the suspects were already gone.
What was stolen
Authorities confirmed that eight artefacts were taken from the French crown jewels collection.
The missing items include a sapphire tiara, necklace, and earring set once owned by Queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense; an emerald necklace and matching earrings from Empress Marie-Louise; a tiara and brooch belonging to Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III; and a reliquary brooch of religious significance.
Each piece is adorned with hundreds of diamonds and precious gemstones, making the total cultural loss immeasurable.
Two more items, including Empress Eugénie’s crown, were dropped during the escape and later recovered, damaged near the museum’s exit.
Experts believe the thieves may have intentionally targeted lighter, more portable pieces rather than the heavily guarded crown or the Regent Diamond, valued at over $60 million.
What investigators have found so far?
The Paris prosecutor’s office has launched a large-scale criminal investigation involving multiple police units and forensic teams.
Detectives are examining CCTV footage, tracking the escape route along the Seine, and searching for evidence in abandoned construction equipment left near the museum.
Investigators believe the group had detailed knowledge of the museum’s layout, timing, and renovation schedule — suggesting insider information or a former contractor’s involvement.
Forensic teams recovered traces of burnt fuel and metal filings near the balcony entry point, consistent with the use of grinders and blowtorches.
Police also suspect that the gang attempted to torch their vehicle but were stopped by a museum employee before fleeing.
Experts warn that recovering the jewellery will be difficult if the pieces are dismantled or the gems are recut to erase identifying features.
French authorities have contacted Interpol and neighbouring countries to monitor for black-market trade or attempts to smuggle the jewels abroad.
Police continue to pursue leads as forensic analysis progresses, with early reports suggesting the same group may be linked to previous high-value robberies across Europe.
The Louvre remains closed until further notice as authorities assess the extent of damage and review emergency procedures.
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