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Louvre Reopens After Jewel Heist as Apollo Gallery Remains Closed, €88 Million Hunt Intensifies

French leaders ordered an accelerated security overhaul following the identification of four suspects.

Overview

  • Eight crown jewels remain unaccounted for after one imperial crown was found damaged near the museum.
  • More than 100 investigators are pursuing the case, with forensic teams analyzing tools, clothing and electronics recovered at the scene and questioning staff over possible inside assistance.
  • Prosecutor Laure Beccuau put the economic estimate at about €88 million and warned the thieves would realize far less if the pieces are dismantled or melted.
  • The thieves used a rented or bogus moving lift to reach a Seine-side window, smashed vitrines and fled on motorcycles within minutes.
  • President Emmanuel Macron ordered security upgrades to be fast-tracked as Culture Minister Rachida Dati opened an administrative inquiry and the Louvre’s chief faced Senate questioning.