Jewels Stolen From Louvre in Shocking Heist Worth More Than $100 Million: Prosecutor

Jewels Worth Over $100 Million Stolen From Louvre in Daring Heist

In a shocking heist that has left authorities reeling, thieves managed to steal jewels from the iconic Louvre Museum in Paris, with an estimated value of over $100 million. The stolen pieces were intricately linked to France’s former monarchy and included items once worn by prominent historical figures like Napoleon’s wife.

The daring robbery took place in broad daylight on a fateful Sunday, reportedly lasting a mere seven minutes. Among the stolen treasures were a matching emerald necklace and earrings worn by Marie-Louise, the second wife of Napoleon, alongside a tiara and a large brooch that belonged to Empress Eugénie. Although the tiara was later discovered damaged outside the museum, the rest of the stolen jewellery remains unaccounted for.

According to reports, the thieves utilised small chainsaws and angle grinders to gain access to the targeted room within the museum while it was open to the public. Paris’ public prosecutor, Laure Beccuau, revealed that the stolen jewels are valued at an estimated €88 million, emphasising the significant historical loss incurred by the museum due to the theft.

Notably missing from the Louvre’s collection are a sapphire tiara, necklace, and a single earring that were once adorned by Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense. Additionally, a brooch known as the “reliquary brooch” was also reported stolen in the heist. Authorities suspect the involvement of four individuals in the operation, with two posing as museum workers in yellow vests and the other two escaping on scooters.

As the investigation unfolds and a manhunt for the perpetrators continues, experts have expressed concerns about the recovery of the stolen jewels. With the passage of time, the chances of retrieving the precious items diminish significantly. Laurence des Cars, the director of the Louvre, is scheduled to address questions from French lawmakers regarding the museum’s security protocols and the lapses that led to the brazen robbery.

The repercussions of this audacious heist have sparked discussions about the vulnerability of valuable heritage items in renowned institutions like the Louvre. As the search for the culprits intensifies, the focus remains on safeguarding cultural treasures and bolstering security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The Louvre’s closure in the aftermath of the theft serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by institutions tasked with preserving priceless artefacts.

The stolen jewels from the Louvre heist have garnered widespread attention, prompting calls for enhanced vigilance and protective measures within the art world. As authorities work tirelessly to apprehend the thieves and recover the stolen treasures, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of safeguarding historical artefacts for future generations. Time will tell if the stolen jewels will be reclaimed, but for now, the repercussions of this daring robbery continue to reverberate across the art community.