Particle.news
Download on the App Store
61 ARTICLES
·
8h ago

Louvre Heist Valued at €88 Million as Manhunt Intensifies

The museum's director faces parliamentary scrutiny after ministers ordered inquiries into suspected security shortcomings.

PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 19: A French Forensics Officer examines the cut window and balcony of a gallery at the Louvre Museum which was the scene of a robbery at the world famous museum earlier in the day on October 19, 2025 in Paris, France. France's Culture Minister, Rachida Dati, announced the closure of the world-famous art museum on X due to the robbery taking place just after the Louvre opened to the public. It is being reported that millions of pound with of historic jewellery belonging to Napoleon and Empress Josephine has been stolen (Photo by Kiran Ridley/Getty Images)
Image
People queue outside the Louvre museum in Paris on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, although it remains closed for the day after Sunday's jewels robbery. (AP Photo/Emma Da Silva)
Image

Overview

  • Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau said the stolen Napoleonic jewels are valued at about €88 million, excluding their heritage value.
  • Roughly 60 to 100 investigators, including the BRB unit, are pursuing an organised‑crime lead using DNA, fingerprints and extensive camera footage.
  • Four masked thieves used a truck‑mounted basket lift to cut through a first‑floor window, smashed display cases and fled on scooters in under eight minutes.
  • Eight pieces were taken, including tiaras, necklaces, earrings and a reliquary brooch linked to Empresses Eugénie and Marie‑Louise and queens Marie‑Amélie and Hortense; a damaged crown was recovered outside.
  • Culture Minister Rachida Dati launched an administrative inquiry as a Court of Auditors report highlighting delayed security upgrades draws focus, and the Louvre is due to reopen Wednesday.