A group of highly organized criminals carried out a daring robbery at the Louvre in Paris, causing panic among tourists and leading to the closure of the museum. The thieves, believed to be two men who stole nine valuable pieces of jewelry once owned by Napoleon and Josephine Bonaparte, executed the heist in just seven minutes as the museum opened for the day. The stolen items reportedly included a tiara, brooch, necklace, and more.
The criminals accessed the renowned museum through construction work, using a ladder to enter a room within the Apollo Gallery. They cut through windows to gain entry, with one member of the group keeping watch outside while the others carried out the theft. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez disclosed that the entire robbery lasted only seven minutes, with the culprits using a hand-held disc cutter to breach the gallery window.
Witnesses reported seeing scooters arriving at the scene, with the perpetrators heavily disguised and equipped with chainsaws. They managed to escape with the stolen pieces from the Napoleon collection. Authorities suspect the involvement of three highly organized criminals in the operation.
Following the incident, the Louvre, known as the world’s most visited museum, announced its closure for the day due to “exceptional reasons.” French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati assured that no injuries occurred during the robbery and that a police investigation was already in progress.
Visitors described scenes of panic and chaos within the museum after the robbery unfolded. Security measures were heightened, and law enforcement swiftly responded to the situation to maintain order. The stolen jewels, including the damaged crown of Empress Eugenie, were recovered outside the museum premises.
The historical significance of the stolen jewelry, once owned by Napoleon and Josephine, highlights the cultural heritage associated with the artifacts. The incident underscores the vulnerability of French museums to such criminal activities, prompting authorities to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators.