Louvre Heist: Thieves flee with €88M crown jewels

Two thieves pulled off a daylight heist at the Louvre, making off with eight historic crown jewels valued at about €88 million. According to investigators, the pair used a furniture lift and scooters to reach ground level after smashing open display cases and seizing the pieces, all captured on surveillance footage.

In the hours after the break-in, investigators worked to gather clues. DNA and fingerprints were found on tools left at the scene, and prosecutors said there remains 'a small hope' of recovering the jewels if any trace material can be matched to the suspects.

French authorities are reviewing CCTV footage and coordinating with international partners to track down the culprits, who remain at large. The heist has stunned the country’s art world and raised questions about museum security and protection for priceless artifacts on public display.

Security experts say such brazen thefts rely on inside information and careful planning, underscoring the need for enhanced surveillance, stronger display protections, and rapid response protocols at major cultural sites. The Louvre, one of the world’s most visited museums, has pledged to review its procedures in the wake of the incident.

#LouvreHeist #CrownJewels #Paris