Daring Daylight Robbery at Louvre: Priceless Crown Jewels Stolen
In a daring daylight heist, thieves wielding power tools stole priceless French crown jewels from the Louvre Museum in Paris, taking just seven minutes to grab the precious items, but dropped a gem-encrusted crown as they fled the scene. The theft, described as extraordinary, daring and brazen,
has been called the theft of the decade
and has prompted a security review at the iconic museum.
The Theft and Its Aftermath
The stolen items include glittering royal tiaras, necklaces, and earrings, part of France's priceless crown jewels collection. A 19th-century crown was found dropped near the museum, but the rest of the stolen items remain missing. Given the international interest in the Louvre's collection, the theft could attract clients from the USA, Russia, or China, according to a specialized investigator.
Authorities have launched a manhunt to find the culprits, who are still at large. A 100-strong specialist police unit is investigating the daring theft, with the Paris police on the trail of the gang who failed to destroy the theft tools. The Louvre remains closed as the investigation continues.
The Value of the Stolen Jewels
There are conflicting reports regarding the estimated value of the stolen jewels. The Paris prosecutor, Laure Beccuau, initially estimated the value at €88 million ($102 million). However, the French government claims that the jewels are worth a staggering €110 million, making this one of the most significant museum heists in recent memory.
Implications and Reactions
The Louvre heist has sent shockwaves through the global museum community, causing cultural sites across France to reassess their protection levels and reinforce security if necessary. Museums worldwide are likely on high alert about safeguarding their treasures following this dramatic incident.
The heist is part of a trend of increasing thefts targeting cash-needy museums around Europe. While law enforcement often catches thieves, they struggle to recover the priceless goods, which can be quickly broken down into component parts and sold on.
In a surprising twist, Pavel Durov, the co-founder of Telegram, has offered to buy the stolen jewellery and donate it back to the Louvre. Happy to buy the stolen jewellery and donate it back to the Louvre. I mean Louvre Abu Dhabi, of course; no one steals from Louvre Abu Dhabi,
Durov wrote on X.
Current Status
As of now, the thieves remain at large, and the hunt for the stolen treasure continues. There are speculations that the thieves may have been hired by a private collector, a theory that Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau said is being considered. If true, there is hope that the stolen pieces will remain intact and well-preserved until recovered. However, experts warn that the criminals may yet be caught, but the gemstones they stole may never be recovered.