A sophisticated criminal group disguised as construction workers broke into the Louvre museum in Paris today and swiftly stole valuable jewelry connected to Napoleon and his family. The daring robbery occurred early in the morning, forcing the closure of the museum as French authorities and officials investigated the crime scene.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez disclosed that the swift heist lasted only seven minutes, during which nine precious items were taken, with two being dropped and damaged but later recovered. The thieves, disguised in work attire with helmets and high-visibility vests, used scooters and a truck with a ladder to access a section of the Louvre near the Seine River undergoing construction.
Utilizing a handheld disc cutter and a chainsaw, the criminals breached a window and display cabinets to steal the jewelry, including the renowned Eugénie Crown adorned with diamonds and emeralds. The crown, named after Empress Eugénie de Montijo, was found discarded below the window by the robbers.
Investigations into the theft and criminal conspiracy are underway, led by the Banditism Repression Brigade and the Central Office for Combating Trafficking in Cultural Property. French authorities emphasized the closure of the Louvre to preserve evidence for a thorough investigation. Despite the breach, no injuries were reported during the incident.
Security measures at the Louvre and other Parisian galleries have been scrutinized following previous art thefts in the city, including the infamous 1911 theft of the Mona Lisa. The recent heist at the Louvre evokes comparisons to a scene from the Netflix series “Lupin,” featuring a fictional master thief. These stolen art pieces are often kept concealed rather than sold on the black market, highlighting the intricate workings of criminal enterprises involved in such high-profile thefts.