Police Launch Major Investigation into Daring Theft of French Crown Jewels from the Louvre
A specialized police unit comprising 100 officers has launched an urgent investigation into the high-profile theft of priceless French crown jewels from the Louvre Museum. The audacious heist occurred on Sunday while the iconic Paris museum was open to the public, with four thieves successfully stealing nine items—one of which was subsequently dropped and recovered at the scene.
Quick Arrests Made
In a swift response, authorities arrested two suspects on Saturday night, including one who was apprehended at Charles de Gaulle Airport as he attempted to flee the country. Reports indicate that both men hail from Seine-Saint-Denis, a suburb in northern Paris, and have prior encounters with law enforcement. French public prosecutor Laure Beccuau expressed her frustration over the premature leak of investigation details, stating, "I deeply deplore the hasty disclosure of this information, which could jeopardize our efforts."
Investigation Underway: A Major Manhunt
Following the theft, a massive police operation was initiated, described by experts as "one of the largest manhunts in French history." The investigation has been entrusted to the BRB (Brigade de répression du banditisme), an elite squad specializing in organized crime and high-profile robberies. This unit previously handled notable cases, including the 2016 robbery of reality star Kim Kardashian.
Former BRB officer Pascal Szkudlara revealed that the team consists of around 100 agents, with a dozen specializing in museum thefts. Investigators are currently analyzing video footage, telephone records, and forensic evidence, while also consulting informants to piece together the details of the crime.
Art detective Arthur Brand emphasized the importance of reviewing security footage from previous weeks to identify any suspicious individuals who may have been surveilling the museum.
Insight into the Thieves
Experts believe that the individuals behind this audacious heist are likely part of a European criminal gang. Art theft specialist Anthony Amore noted that the culprits are not the stereotypical "Ocean’s 11" type of professional thieves, but rather seasoned criminals who meticulously planned their operation.
What Was Stolen?
The thieves managed to steal eight items, including a stunning sapphire diadem, a necklace, and a single earring linked to 19th-century queens Marie-Amelie and Hortense. They also took an emerald necklace and earrings associated with Empress Marie-Louise, Napoleon Bonaparte’s second wife, along with a reliquary brooch. The most notable item, Empress Eugenie’s diamond diadem, was among the stolen treasures, though one piece—a crown embellished with over 1,300 diamonds—was later found damaged outside the museum.
Progress in the Investigation
Authorities have recovered one of the stolen items, Empress Eugenie’s crown, and have also discovered motorcycles and a license plate believed to be connected to the crime. Furthermore, evidence from a cherry picker used by the thieves to access the first-floor Galerie d’Apollon has been collected. French Culture Minister Rachida Dati commended the security personnel for their swift actions, which prevented a further escalation of the situation.
The Urgency of Recovery
Art detective Arthur Brand warned that the chances of recovering the stolen jewels intact diminish with each passing day. "These crown jewels are too famous to sell openly," he stated. "The only option for the thieves may be to dismantle the pieces." He emphasized that law enforcement must apprehend the culprits within a week to maintain any hope of recovering the stolen items.
As the investigation continues, the police remain in a "race against time" to ensure that these invaluable pieces of history are returned to their rightful place in the Louvre.
