In a daring daylight heist at the renowned Louvre museum in central Paris, investigators suspect an inside job may have played a role in the theft of historic crown jewels valued at £76 million. Recent reports suggest that a member of the museum’s security team may have collaborated with the thieves, providing crucial information about the museum’s security measures.
Using chainsaws to scale the building and access a window, the thieves executed a swift seven-minute operation to snatch the priceless jewels from the Galerie d’Apollon, where they were displayed. The robbers utilized a furniture lift to reach the first floor, breaching security measures with apparent ease.
Following the theft, two suspects have been apprehended, with one captured at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport while attempting to flee to Algeria. Despite managing to make off with nine valuable pieces from the Napoleon and Empress Joséphine collection, the criminals dropped one item during their escape.
The Louvre director offered to resign in response to the incident, acknowledging a significant security lapse due to a mispositioned camera in the gallery. The theft has sparked outrage nationwide, with experts expressing concerns about the likelihood of recovering the stolen treasures.
French culture minister Rachida Dati has initiated an administrative inquiry alongside the police investigation to ensure transparency. Emphasizing that the museum’s security system functioned correctly, Dati highlighted the ongoing efforts to address the security breach and prevent future incidents.