Parapolitika.gr

Perfect Louvre heist: Thieves grab diamonds in 7 minutes

Four masked thieves executed a movie-like heist at the Louvre Museum, stealing priceless jewelry in just 7 minutes using chainsaws and precision planning.

Perfect Louvre heist: Thieves grab diamonds in 7 minutes
World
newsroom

A heist reminiscent of a movie plot took place at the Louvre Museum on Sunday (October 19), where four masked criminals managed to steal priceless jewelry in just 7 minutes. The daring burglary, reminiscent of the legendary Arsène Lupin, has caused international sensation and triggered alarm among French authorities.

Read: Louvre heist: Greeks describe shocking moments – “One moment we were viewing Mona Lisa, next moment panic” (Video)

How they pulled off the cinematic Louvre heist

The perpetrators, wearing masks and riding scooters, entered from the Seine side where maintenance work was in progress. Armed with small chainsaws, they used an elevator to reach directly to the Apollo Gallery, where the museum’s royal collections are housed.

According to information given today at noon on France Inter by Interior Minister and former Paris police chief Laurent Nunez, the burglars broke multiple windows using a circular saw, and two of them entered the museum, while latest evidence suggests the perpetrators were four in total.



Two were disguised as workers wearing vests – one yellow and one orange, while the other two waited on TMax-type scooters, ready for escape. To ensure access without raising suspicion, they even placed safety cones around the freight elevator area, creating the illusion of legitimate technical work.



After breaking windows, two thieves entered the building while the third remained outside as a “lookout.” In record time, they grabbed nine unique jewelry pieces from the “Napoléon” and “Souverains Français” display cases, including a tiara, necklace, and brooch that belonged to Empress Eugénie and Napoleon III.

Documentary video footage from the Louvre heist


During their escape, they abandoned Empress Eugénie’s crown on the street, which was found damaged. They then fled on their scooters toward the A6 highway, leaving behind chaos and unanswered questions.

According to the Interior Ministry, the operation lasted just seven minutes. “They acted extremely quickly,” Nunez commented. During the police intervention, two wheels, a flare, a gasoline container, gloves, a radio, a blanket, and a… crown were found at the scene. A little further away, a yellow vest identical to those worn by the perpetrators to look like workers was discovered, apparently lost during their escape.

The stolen items and the “Apollo Gallery”

The stolen objects come from the Louvre’s most emblematic collections: jewelry belonging to Marie-Louise, Marie-Amélie, Hortense, and Empress Eugénie. Among them were necklaces, earrings, tiaras, brooches, and a reliquary.


Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau stated that “eight jewelry pieces have been stolen,” while “a ninth object – Eugénie’s crown – was found on the ground.” All jewelry was kept in high-security display cases.

The Apollo Gallery, where the burglary occurred, is one of the Louvre’s most historic spaces. Designed in 1661, it houses the French Crown Diamond Collection, with priceless works including the Regent (140 carats) and the Sancy (55.23 carats).

Investigation underway – Macron and Nunez statements

French President Emmanuel Macron characterized the heist as “an attack on our national heritage” and assured that “the stolen works will be found and the perpetrators brought to justice.”

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez acknowledged security problems at museums and announced new investments to strengthen security under the “Louvre Nouvelle Renaissance” program.

Authorities already have CCTV footage from inside and outside the museum, as well as citizen testimonies. According to the prosecutor’s office, one of the thieves dropped the yellow vest he was wearing, which was found and is being analyzed by forensic laboratories.

The most daring heist of the century?

The case has attracted worldwide interest, as it represents one of the fastest and most well-planned museum burglaries ever recorded. Authorities are examining the possibility that the gang had inside information about the space layout and security measures.

As the Paris prosecutor stated: “The value of these objects is not only economic; it is historical. Each piece represents a part of French history.”

Art trafficking network suspected by Louvre president

Laurence des Cars, the first female president of the Louvre Museum since its founding in 1793, speaking about the authorities’ actions said that “although they mobilized immediately, they could not deal with an organized art trafficking network.” “The agents who arrived first at the museum applied the security protocol with composure and professionalism. Police sealed the areas and then gradual evacuation of visitors took place. All involved security teams reacted appropriately and this honors the Louvre,” the president noted.

However, she added that “…the thieves’ method of operation was fast, precise and brutal and confirms that our museums are targets of organizations specializing in art trafficking. Against this organized crime, our museums are no longer safe.”

Related Posts