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Daylight Jewel Heist at the Louvre Prompts Nationwide Security Review

An organized-crime probe is underway with security tightened across French museums.

Overview

  • The Louvre remained closed on Monday as teams processed evidence and the museum arranged refunds for ticket holders.
  • The Paris prosecutor opened a case for organized robbery led by the BRB and OCBC units, with coordination reported with Interpol.
  • Investigators say the crew used a truck-mounted lift on the Seine-side Denon façade, forced a window, and spent under four minutes inside the Galerie d’Apollon.
  • Eight 19th‑century pieces from Napoleonic and crown collections were taken, and Empress Eugénie’s crown was later found nearby damaged, while famed stones such as the Regent diamond were not touched.
  • Authorities report three or four suspects disguised as workers fled on powerful motorcycles; police recovered bikes with a license plate and say one thief tried to set the lift ablaze during the escape.