Masked Thieves Steal Napoleon-Era Jewels in Daylight Heist at the Louvre

What Happened

• On October 19, 2025, three masked robbers stole nine pieces of Napoleon-era jewelry from the Apollo Gallery of the Louvre Museum, Paris.
• The thieves entered via a construction zone on the Seine River side, using a freight elevator to bypass security.
• Two robbers broke display cases using small chainsaws; a third acted as a lookout.
• They fled on T-Max scooters, likely switching vehicles later to avoid detection.

Items Stolen

• The stolen items include:
• A diamond necklace
• A brooch with emeralds and pearls
• A sapphire tiara
• Six rings, earrings, and pendants featuring rubies and gold
• Total estimated value: €40 million (over $43 million USD).
• A damaged crown piece was found discarded near the museum.

Official Response

• French Culture Minister Rachida Dati confirmed the robbery:

"A robbery occurred this morning at the Louvre's opening. I'm on site with teams and police, no victims, but the investigation is priority."

• The Louvre closed immediately, citing “exceptional reasons.”
• President Macron’s office pledged emergency security funding.

Investigation Status

• One suspect tentatively identified from CCTV as a repeat jewel thief.
• No arrests yet; French police, Interpol, and the Brigade de Répression du Banditisme are leading the investigation.
• Over 50 security cameras under review. Airport and road alerts are active.
• The heist is suspected to involve insider knowledge of museum operations.

Public and Historical Context

• No injuries reported, but visitors described panic and confusion during evacuation.

• The Louvre, housing over 33,000 works, has not seen a major theft since 1998.
• The robbery recalls past incidents, including the 1911 Mona Lisa theft and a 1983 armor heist.
• Experts warn of rising art thefts in Europe and challenges in recovering stolen items.