A brazen and meticulously planned heist occurred at the Louvre, the world’s largest museum, on October 19. Four assailants executed the crime in broad daylight, managing it in just seven minutes.
Louvre Heist Overview
The incident took place around 9:30 AM, shortly after the museum opened its doors to the public. The thieves utilized an ordinary moving ladder, cleverly positioned on the Seine side of the museum, to gain access to the Apollo Gallery.
Valuable Items Stolen
Inside the gallery, the criminals broke through a window and smashed two high-security displays. They made off with eight invaluable cultural objects, as reported by the Ministry of Culture.
- Queen Marie-Amélie’s sapphire necklace, featuring eight sapphires and 631 diamonds.
- The diadem of Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III, adorned with nearly 2,000 diamonds.
Heist Conclusion
During their escape, the thieves dropped another significant piece: the crown of Empress Eugénie, which contains 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds. Fortunately, this piece was recovered, though it sustained damage.
The Louvre’s security measures are now under scrutiny following this alarming breach. The rapid execution and ease of the heist highlight crucial security flaws within the renowned museum.
Search for the Suspects
Authorities continue to search for the culprits, whose bold actions have drawn widespread attention. The incident raises questions about the preparedness of one of the world’s most iconic cultural institutions.
