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French TV Airs Louvre Heist Footage Showing Guards Stand Back as Thieves Seize $102 Million in Jewels

The newly aired clips sharpen scrutiny of Louvre security, with suspects still in custody and the jewels still missing.

Overview

  • Surveillance video broadcast by TF1 and France Télévisions shows two burglars smashing display cases in the Apollo Gallery during a roughly four-minute raid.
  • Museum staff are seen not intervening, which management says reflects training that prioritizes evacuating visitors rather than confronting intruders.
  • Four men in their thirties remain detained over the October 19 theft, with prosecutors citing multiple DNA traces from broken glass, a scooter and a furniture lift.
  • Investigators have recovered only a damaged crown dropped during the escape, while eight other French crown jewels valued at about $102 million are still missing.
  • A security audit flagged camera blind spots and control-room shortcomings, the Louvre has added window bars and tightened measures, and the culture minister signaled personnel changes as unions press for staffing and maintenance.