Search Intensifies for $102 Million Worth of Stolen Louvre Jewelry According to Prosecutor
The search intensifies for $102 million worth of stolen Louvre jewelry following a recent high-profile heist. A French prosecutor has reported the estimated value of the stolen artifacts, which were taken during a daylight robbery at the famed museum in Paris.
Details of the Heist
On Sunday, robbers struck the Louvre, managing to steal jewelry linked to the French crown jewels. Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau revealed that about 100 investigators are on the case, seeking to find the culprits responsible for this audacious crime.
The stolen inventory includes:
- A jeweled tiara and necklace, historically worn by Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense
- An emerald necklace and earrings set given to Marie-Louise of Austria by Napoleon in March 1810
Robbery Timeline
The perpetrators utilized a truck-mounted ladder to break into the Apollo Gallery through a window. They took just four minutes to execute the theft, leaving the scene on two scooters along the banks of the Seine. The operation lasted only seven minutes total, occurring shortly after the museum’s opening at 9:34 a.m.
Security Breaches
French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin acknowledged significant security oversights that enabled the theft. He stated that unprotected windows and accessible equipment outside the museum raised serious questions about security protocols. “The French people all feel like they’ve been robbed,” he said during a radio interview.
Challenges in Recovery
Experts fear that recovering the stolen pieces may prove difficult. Authorities have indicated that the thieves could attempt to dismantle the jewelry, jeopardizing its historical value in favor of re-selling components. Natalie Goulet, a member of the French Senate, expressed skepticism about retrieving the artifacts, suggesting they may have already been exported.
Elaine Sciolino, an author on the Louvre, emphasized the cultural damage caused by such a theft. “This attack really is a dagger into the heart of France and French history,” she commented.
Investigation Updates
Authorities are diligently collecting evidence, including investigating a truck linked to the crime for DNA traces. They’ve also recovered one scooter and a helmet believed to belong to one of the thieves, which could provide further leads.
Historical Context of Louvre Thefts
This incident is not the first theft at the Louvre. Historically, the most notorious heist occurred in August 1911 when Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa was stolen. Recent years have seen other museum heists, including the theft of gold artifacts in the Netherlands in January.
With robust investigations underway, stakeholders hope for a swift resolution to this case. However, the prospects for recovering the stolen treasures remain uncertain.
