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French Auditors Rebuke Louvre Over Security Delays After October Jewel Heist

Museum leaders cite recent camera upgrades alongside pandemic-era disruptions.

Overview

  • The Court of Auditors’ report for 2018–2024 concludes the museum favored image-driven projects over maintenance, slowing crucial security upgrades.
  • Auditors highlight spending of €87 million on upkeep versus €169 million on acquisitions and displays, and question the pace and financing assumptions of the €1.15 billion renovation plan.
  • The Louvre says 134 digital cameras have been added to replace obsolete devices and argues implementation timelines were disrupted by COVID-19 and the 2024 Olympics.
  • Authorities say the 19 October robbery in the Galerie d’Apollon lasted about eight minutes, involved eight jewels worth roughly €88 million, and left Empress Eugénie’s crown recovered but damaged.
  • Prosecutors report DNA traces on the elevating platform led to the arrests of a 37-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman who deny involvement, with several stolen pieces still unrecovered.