French authorities are urgently pursuing the stolen ‘crown jewels’ from the Louvre museum, with concerns that time is running out to recover them. A team of 60 investigators is focusing on the likelihood that an organized crime group orchestrated the daring heist of nine precious jewelry pieces in broad daylight. The thieves, who escaped on motorcycles after a seven-minute operation, dropped one item – an emerald-set imperial crown – outside the museum, damaged but recovered.
The remaining stolen loot, comprising items like a sapphire diadem, necklace, earrings, and brooches with historical ties, is at risk of being lost if not found swiftly. The initial days post-robbery, termed the ‘golden hours,’ are crucial for recovery efforts before the items are dispersed or destroyed. International shipping of the stolen goods could complicate the search process beyond the first 48 hours.
Chris Marinello, CEO of Art Recovery International, expressed concerns that recovering the pieces becomes increasingly challenging as time elapses. Questions arise on how the thieves managed to breach security at the renowned Louvre museum, known for housing iconic artworks like the Mona Lisa. President Emmanuel Macron condemned the robbery as an assault on France’s cultural heritage.
Interior minister Laurent Nunez detailed the robbery, explaining how the culprits used a cherry picker to access the hall containing the royal collection, including the Crown Diamonds. The thieves targeted specific pieces and swiftly fled the scene, evading capture. Although security measures at the Louvre have been improved over the years, further enhancements are planned to prevent similar incidents in the future.