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In Broad daylight... French police hunt for 4 thieves who stole their heritage
French police forces continue their efforts to track down four suspects believed to have carried out an armed robbery targeting the Louvre Museum in Paris, one of the most prominent landmarks of global cultural heritage. The incident occurred early Sunday morning, in a record time of just seven minutes. The perpetrators used a truck equipped with a crane to breach one of the museum’s security systems and stole a rare collection of valuable jewelry believed to be priceless from a heritage perspective.
A video broadcast by Israeli Channel 12 showed the thieves being lifted with a tall crane to the first-floor window, which they then smashed using a handheld cutting tool. They entered the Apollo Hall, which houses the French crown jewels, and broke through two heavily protected glass facades.
The French Ministry of Culture reported that the thieves stole eight pieces of historical jewelry, including a royal sapphire necklace belonging to Queen Marie-Émilie, another emerald from Marie Louise’s set, and Empress Eugénie’s crown, which contains about 2,000 diamonds. They also noted that a piece related to the Empress Eugénie’s crown fell during the escape attempt.
Prosecutor Loïc Bico stated that the attackers were masked and managed to escape on two motorcycles. Interpol and local authorities, led by approximately 60 investigators from crime-fighting units, are continuing efforts to identify and locate the suspects.
According to the ministry’s estimates, the thieves are professional and possibly of foreign nationality, with experience in executing similar operations. The quick response, which allowed the robbers to flee and abandon their equipment, may help narrow the scope of the investigation.
Analysts suggest that this operation could be linked to a broader trafficking and blackmail network, with the seized stones possibly part of money laundering schemes or intended for illegal profit.
The theft at the Louvre has reignited discussions on the vulnerability of French museums’ security, especially amid a series of recent thefts. Museums such as the National Museum of Natural History and the Limoges Museum have also experienced large-scale robberies. Officials stress that security and surveillance systems must be urgently upgraded.
In light of these developments, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez admitted that France’s museum protection systems are severely lacking. He mentioned that a security plan devised by the Ministry of Culture has addressed the security concerns of the Louvre in particular.
In a statement reflecting ongoing challenges, President Emmanuel Macron pledged in January to restore and expand the Louvre Museum, amid increasing fears over the deteriorating security situation—particularly with the rise in threats and crimes targeting French cultural heritage.
