<p>Small-time criminals are believed to be behind the brazen jewel heist at the Louvre Museum, Paris’ top prosecutor said on Sunday (Nov 2), adding that two of the suspects are a couple with children. This comes after a gang of four broke into the world’s most-visited art museum and fled with French imperial jewels worth an estimated $102 million within seven minutes in broad daylight. Earlier on Thursday (Oct 30), the French authorities arrested five more individuals, including the prime suspect in the high-profile jewellery theft that happened last month. Despite the arrests, none of the eight stolen items have been recovered so far.</p><p>The thieves used a truck with an extendable ladder below the museum’s Apollo Gallery, which houses the French crown jewels. They broke into a window and used angle grinders to cut into glass display booths containing the treasures.</p><p>Two men, who broke into the Louvre, and their accomplices who waited outside, have been detained, charged and remanded in custody. While two more suspects – a man and a woman – were charged and remanded in custody, the prosecutor said on Saturday (Nov 1).</p><h2><strong>What we know about the Louvre suspects</strong></h2><p>Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau said on Sunday that the suspects, who live in the French capital’s northern suburbs, were believed to be small-time criminals, ruling out their being part of organised crime groups.</p><p>Beccuau added that their profiles do not correspond to those “generally associated with the upper echelons of organised crime.” She added that at least one other person is still being sought.</p><p>The 37-year-old man and 38-year-old woman charged on Saturday were a couple and had children together, she said. However, the two have “denied any involvement” while the man refused to make any statement. The man has been charged with organised theft and criminal conspiracy, while his partner has been charged with complicity in organised theft and criminal conspiracy.</p><p>The woman was in tears as she appeared at a court in Paris on Saturday, as she feared for her children and for herself. The couple was arrested after their DNA was found in the basket lift used in the theft.</p><p>The prosecutor said that “significant” DNA evidence linking the man to the crime was found in the basket lift, adding that traces of his partner’s DNA were also found. She added that the woman’s DNA may have been transferred through contact with a person or object.</p><p>“All this will need to be investigated,” Beccuau said. According to the man’s criminal records, he had been convicted 11 times, most of them for theft.</p><h2><strong>Suspects ‘clearly local people’</strong></h2><p>She added that suspects are “clearly local people,” adding that “They all lived more or less in Seine-Saint-Denis,” referring to a region north of Paris. “Some are connected, particularly the couple,” she said.</p><p>Two of the male suspects were earlier convicted in a 2015 theft case together, Beccuau added.</p><p>She said that the search for the jewels is continuing, adding that “All avenues are being explored,” she said. The treasures “could be used for money laundering.”</p><p>“We are examining all the possibilities offered by the black market for selling this jewellery, which I hope will not happen any time soon.”</p>

She said that the search for the jewels is continuing, adding that “All avenues are being explored,” she said. The treasures “could be used for money laundering.”

Small-time criminals are believed to be behind the brazen jewel heist at the Louvre Museum, Paris’ top prosecutor said on Sunday (Nov 2), adding that two of the suspects are a couple with children. This comes after a gang of four broke into the world’s most-visited art museum and fled with French imperial jewels worth an estimated $102 million within seven minutes in broad daylight. Earlier on Thursday (Oct 30), the French authorities arrested five more individuals, including the prime suspect in the high-profile jewellery theft that happened last month. Despite the arrests, none of the eight stolen items have been recovered so far. The thieves used a truck with an extendable ladder below the museum’s Apollo Gallery, which houses the French crown jewels. They broke into a window and used angle grinders to cut into glass display booths containing the treasures. Two men, who broke into the Louvre, and their accomplices who waited outside, have been detained, charged and remanded in custody. While two more suspects – a man and a woman – were charged and remanded in custody, the prosecutor said on Saturday (Nov 1). What we know about the Louvre suspects Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau said on Sunday that the suspects, who live in the French capital’s northern suburbs, were believed to be small-time criminals, ruling out their being part of organised crime groups. Beccuau added that their profiles do not correspond to those “generally associated with the upper echelons of organised crime.” She added that at least one other person is still being sought. The 37-year-old man and 38-year-old woman charged on Saturday were a couple and had children together, she said. However, the two have “denied any involvement” while the man refused to make any statement. The man has been charged with organised theft and criminal conspiracy, while his partner has been charged with complicity in organised theft and criminal conspiracy. The woman was in tears as she appeared at a court in Paris on Saturday, as she feared for her children and for herself. The couple was arrested after their DNA was found in the basket lift used in the theft. The prosecutor said that “significant” DNA evidence linking the man to the crime was found in the basket lift, adding that traces of his partner’s DNA were also found. She added that the woman’s DNA may have been transferred through contact with a person or object. “All this will need to be investigated,” Beccuau said. According to the man’s criminal records, he had been convicted 11 times, most of them for theft. Suspects ‘clearly local people’ She added that suspects are “clearly local people,” adding that “They all lived more or less in Seine-Saint-Denis,” referring to a region north of Paris. “Some are connected, particularly the couple,” she said. Two of the male suspects were earlier convicted in a 2015 theft case together, Beccuau added. She said that the search for the jewels is continuing, adding that “All avenues are being explored,” she said. The treasures “could be used for money laundering.” “We are examining all the possibilities offered by the black market for selling this jewellery, which I hope will not happen any time soon.”

<p>She said that the search for the jewels is continuing, adding that “All avenues are being explored,” she said. The treasures “could be used for money laundering.”</p>

Small-time criminals behind $102 million Louvre heist? What we know about suspects

<p>French authorities have arrested two men suspected of being involved in the brazen heist that took place at the Louvre Museum last week, according to French media reports. One of the suspects was detained around 10 pm on Saturday (Oct 25) at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport as he was about to board an international flight. The second was arrested shortly after in the Paris region.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The two men are suspected of being part of four-man crew that robbed the world-renowned museum of its priceless crown jewels in broad daylight. The theives, who broke into the Apollo Gallery, managed the heist in just seven minutes shortly after the museum opened and fled with eight French imperial jewels worth an estimated $102 million. Dozens of investigators have been tasked with catching the culprits and retreiving the precious jewels.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The stolen items include an emerald-and-diamond necklace that Napoleon I gave his wife, Empress Marie-Louise, and a diadem that once belonged to the Empress Eugenie, which is dotted with nearly 2,000 diamonds.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Following the audacious theft, French authorities found a broken crown near the museum that once belonged to Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III. The crown is covered in 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds. The director of the Louvre, Laurence des Cars, said on Wednesday (Oct 22) that the initial assessment of the crown suggests that it could be restored.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Des Cars also admitted that there was inadequate security camera coverage of the outside walls of the museum. “Despite our efforts, despite our hard work on a daily basis, we failed,” she told lawmakers in her first public statement since the robbery. She added that while all alarms had functioned during the heist, security cameras did not adequately cover the thieves’ point of entry.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“The only camera installed is directed westward and therefore did not cover the balcony involved in the break-in,” she said. “There are some perimeter cameras, but they are ageing.” Surveillance of the museum’s outside walls “is highly insufficient.”</p>

French authorities have arrested two men suspected of being involved in the brazen heist that took place at the Louvre Museum last week, according to French media reports.

French authorities have arrested two men suspected of being involved in the brazen heist that took place at the Louvre Museum last week, according to French media reports. One of the suspects was detained around 10 pm on Saturday (Oct 25) at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport as he was about to board an international flight. The second was arrested shortly after in the Paris region. The two men are suspected of being part of four-man crew that robbed the world-renowned museum of its priceless crown jewels in broad daylight. The theives, who broke into the Apollo Gallery, managed the heist in just seven minutes shortly after the museum opened and fled with eight French imperial jewels worth an estimated $102 million. Dozens of investigators have been tasked with catching the culprits and retreiving the precious jewels. The stolen items include an emerald-and-diamond necklace that Napoleon I gave his wife, Empress Marie-Louise, and a diadem that once belonged to the Empress Eugenie, which is dotted with nearly 2,000 diamonds. Following the audacious theft, French authorities found a broken crown near the museum that once belonged to Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III. The crown is covered in 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds. The director of the Louvre, Laurence des Cars, said on Wednesday (Oct 22) that the initial assessment of the crown suggests that it could be restored. Des Cars also admitted that there was inadequate security camera coverage of the outside walls of the museum. “Despite our efforts, despite our hard work on a daily basis, we failed,” she told lawmakers in her first public statement since the robbery. She added that while all alarms had functioned during the heist, security cameras did not adequately cover the thieves’ point of entry. “The only camera installed is directed westward and therefore did not cover the balcony involved in the break-in,” she said. “There are some perimeter cameras, but they are ageing.” Surveillance of the museum’s outside walls “is highly insufficient.”

<p>French authorities have arrested two men suspected of being involved in the brazen heist that took place at the Louvre Museum last week, according to French media reports.</p>

Louvre heist: Two men arrested over suspicion of being involved in robbery

<p>Days after the brazen heist at France’s iconic Louvre museum, the German company that manufactured the freight lift used in the crime by thieves has seized the opportunity to promote their device by posting tongue-in-cheek adverts on social media that quickly went viral. Böcker Maschinenwerke GmbH, a lifting equipment maker based near Dortmund, advertised the truck, posting a picture of it outside the Paris museum.</p><p>“IF YOU’RE IN A HURRY. The Böcker Agilo carries your treasures up to 400 kg at 42 m/min,” the caption read. “Quiet as a whisper thanks to its 230 V electric motor.”</p>

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<p>Alexander Böcker, managing director of the company, told AFP that the lift was sold “a few years ago to a French customer who rents this type of equipment in Paris and the surrounding area.” Similar equipment is commonly seen around Paris, where most apartment buildings have small or no elevators.</p><p>The thieves who stole the French crown jewels from the Louvre last week used one such truck to break into the Apollo Gallery shortly after the opening of the museum in broad daylight and managed to flee with eight precious pieces. The stolen items include an emerald-and-diamond necklace that Napoleon I gave his wife, Empress Marie-Louise, and a diadem that once belonged to the Empress Eugenie, which is dotted with nearly 2,000 diamonds. The entire heist was done within seven minutes.</p><p>“They removed the customer's labelling and replaced the license plates,” Böcker said.</p><p>Böcker, 42, and his wife quickly recognised the furniture house as being one of theirs while watching the news of the audacious heist.</p><p>“When it became clear that no one had been injured in the robbery, we took it with a touch of humour” and “started thinking about how we could perhaps use this,” he said.</p><p>“It was, of course, an opportunity for us to use the most famous and most visited museum in the world to get a little attention for our company,” he added. “The crime is, of course, absolutely reprehensible, that’s completely clear to us.”</p>

The thieves who stole the French crown jewels from the Louvre last week used one such truck to break into the Apollo Gallery shortly after the opening of the museum in broad daylight and managed to flee with eight precious pieces.

Days after the brazen heist at France’s iconic Louvre museum, the German company that manufactured the freight lift used in the crime by thieves has seized the opportunity to promote their device by posting tongue-in-cheek adverts on social media that quickly went viral. Böcker Maschinenwerke GmbH, a lifting equipment maker based near Dortmund, advertised the truck, posting a picture of it outside the Paris museum. “IF YOU’RE IN A HURRY. The Böcker Agilo carries your treasures up to 400 kg at 42 m/min,” the caption read. “Quiet as a whisper thanks to its 230 V electric motor.”

<p>The thieves who stole the French crown jewels from the Louvre last week used one such truck to break into the Apollo Gallery shortly after the opening of the museum in broad daylight and managed to flee with eight precious pieces.</p>

‘Quiet as a whisper’: German firm flaunts freight lift used in Louvre heist

<p>Following the brazen heist last week, the Louvre has reportedly transferred some of its most precious jewels to the Bank of France. On Sunday (Oct 18), the world-renowned museum in Paris was struck with chaos after thieves broke in, robbing it of its priceless French imperial jewels in broad daylight, exposing the museum’s security vulnerability. The thieves managed to flee with eight other items with an estimated value of $102 million, including an emerald and diamond necklace that Napoleon I gave his wife, Empress Marie Louise.</p><p>French radio RTL reported, citing anonymous sources, that some precious items from the museum’s Apollo gallery, which was targeted in the recent robbery, were moved on Friday (Oct 24) under secret police escort. The Bank of France, which also stores the country’s gold reserves in a massive 27 metres (88 feet) underground vault, is located on the Right Bank of the River Seine, about 500 metres away from the museum.</p><p>No official statement regarding the moving of the French crown jewels has been given by the Louvre or the Bank of France.</p><p>Earlier on Wednesday (Oct 22), the director of the Louvre, Laurence des Cars, admitted that there was inadequate security camera coverage of the outside walls of the museum.</p><p>“Despite our efforts, despite our hard work on a daily basis, we failed,” des Cars told lawmakers in her first public statement since the robbery. She added that while all alarms had functioned during the heist, security cameras did not adequately cover the thieves’ point of entry.</p><p>“The only camera installed is directed westward and therefore did not cover the balcony involved in the break-in,” she said. “There are some perimeter cameras, but they are ageing.” Surveillance of the museum’s outside walls “is highly insufficient.”</p><p>Des Cars said she had tendered her resignation following the theft on Sunday, but the culture ministry had refused it. She also said that the 19th-century crown, which once belonged to Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III, could be restored following an initial assessment. The crown was dropped by the thieves and found in a broken condition near the museum following the audacious theft.<br>&nbsp;</p>

Earlier on Wednesday (Oct 22), the director of the Louvre, Laurence des Cars, admitted that there was inadequate security camera coverage of the outside walls of the museum.

Following the brazen heist last week, the Louvre has reportedly transferred some of its most precious jewels to the Bank of France. On Sunday (Oct 18), the world-renowned museum in Paris was struck with chaos after thieves broke in, robbing it of its priceless French imperial jewels in broad daylight, exposing the museum’s security vulnerability. The thieves managed to flee with eight other items with an estimated value of $102 million, including an emerald and diamond necklace that Napoleon I gave his wife, Empress Marie Louise. French radio RTL reported, citing anonymous sources, that some precious items from the museum’s Apollo gallery, which was targeted in the recent robbery, were moved on Friday (Oct 24) under secret police escort. The Bank of France, which also stores the country’s gold reserves in a massive 27 metres (88 feet) underground vault, is located on the Right Bank of the River Seine, about 500 metres away from the museum. No official statement regarding the moving of the French crown jewels has been given by the Louvre or the Bank of France. Earlier on Wednesday (Oct 22), the director of the Louvre, Laurence des Cars, admitted that there was inadequate security camera coverage of the outside walls of the museum. “Despite our efforts, despite our hard work on a daily basis, we failed,” des Cars told lawmakers in her first public statement since the robbery. She added that while all alarms had functioned during the heist, security cameras did not adequately cover the thieves’ point of entry. “The only camera installed is directed westward and therefore did not cover the balcony involved in the break-in,” she said. “There are some perimeter cameras, but they are ageing.” Surveillance of the museum’s outside walls “is highly insufficient.” Des Cars said she had tendered her resignation following the theft on Sunday, but the culture ministry had refused it. She also said that the 19th-century crown, which once belonged to Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III, could be restored following an initial assessment. The crown was dropped by the thieves and found in a broken condition near the museum following the audacious theft.

<p>Earlier on Wednesday (Oct 22), the director of the Louvre, Laurence des Cars, admitted that there was inadequate security camera coverage of the outside walls of the museum.</p>

Did Louvre move its precious jewels to Bank of France following brazen heist? Here’s what report claims

<p>On Sunday (Oct 19), on the day of the Louvre museum heist, another museum in France was robbed. Around 2,000 gold and silver coins, amounting to $104,000, were stolen. This heist took place only hours after the massive robbery at the Louvre, where people flock to see Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa painting. It was a museum dedicated to the French philosopher Denis Diderot in Landres. It was on Tuesday, when the museum opened, that the workers noticed the display was damaged, and that was what alerted them.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/louvre-heist-hollywood-style-louvre-heist-rocks-the-heart-of-paris-wion-1761118723050/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/louvre-heist-hollywood-style-louvre-heist-rocks-the-heart-of-paris-wion-1761118723050/embed</a>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>What was stolen?</h2><p>The silver and gold coins were part of the city’s private collection. These coins were discovered in 2011 and were traced back to 1790 and 1840, as per local media reports. They were found during renovation at the building, which now houses the museum.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-you-know-cursed-diamond-that-louvre-thieves-refused-to-steal-has-an-indian-connection-1761199081453"><strong>Did you know? ‘Cursed’ diamond that Louvre thieves refused to steal has an Indian connection</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Louvre director admits to security failure</strong></h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>On Wednesday (Oct 22), days after the heist at France’s Louvre museum, the director Laurence des Cars admitted to inadequate camera surveillance. In the daylight robbery, thieves took away prized jewels worth $102 million from the premises. She also said that the diamond- and emerald-studded crown, which was dropped and damaged during the robbery, could be restored. In less than 10 minutes, the museum, where tourists flock to see legendary Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, lost its sparkle and sparked a lot of security concerns.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>What all was stolen in the Louvre heist?</strong></h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>As per a report by Bloomberg, the robbers stole a total of eight royal artifacts which included: a sapphire diadem, necklace, and single earring from a matching set linked to 19th-century French queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense; an emerald necklace and earrings from Empress Marie-Louise, second wife Napoleon Bonaparte; a reliquary brooch; Empress Eugénie’s diadem; and her large corsage-bow brooch.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thieves-used-cherry-picker-angle-grinder-in-7-minute-louvre-museum-heist-pulled-off-like-a-breeze-1760880195775"><strong>Thieves used ‘cherry picker’, ‘angle grinder’ in 7-minute Louvre Museum heist, pulled off like a breeze</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The crown of Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III, however, has been found by the authorities in damaged condition near the museum. The crown has 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds, and golden eagles, as per the museum website.</p>

The silver and gold coins were part of the city’s private collection. These coins were discovered in 2011 and were traced back to 1790 and 1840.

On Sunday (Oct 19), on the day of the Louvre museum heist, another museum in France was robbed. Around 2,000 gold and silver coins, amounting to $104,000, were stolen. This heist took place only hours after the massive robbery at the Louvre, where people flock to see Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa painting. It was a museum dedicated to the French philosopher Denis Diderot in Landres. It was on Tuesday, when the museum opened, that the workers noticed the display was damaged, and that was what alerted them. https://www.wionews.com/videos/louvre-heist-hollywood-style-louvre-heist-rocks-the-heart-of-paris-wion-1761118723050/embed What was stolen? The silver and gold coins were part of the city’s private collection. These coins were discovered in 2011 and were traced back to 1790 and 1840, as per local media reports. They were found during renovation at the building, which now houses the museum. Also read: Did you know? ‘Cursed’ diamond that Louvre thieves refused to steal has an Indian connection Louvre director admits to security failure On Wednesday (Oct 22), days after the heist at France’s Louvre museum, the director Laurence des Cars admitted to inadequate camera surveillance. In the daylight robbery, thieves took away prized jewels worth $102 million from the premises. She also said that the diamond- and emerald-studded crown, which was dropped and damaged during the robbery, could be restored. In less than 10 minutes, the museum, where tourists flock to see legendary Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, lost its sparkle and sparked a lot of security concerns. What all was stolen in the Louvre heist? As per a report by Bloomberg, the robbers stole a total of eight royal artifacts which included: a sapphire diadem, necklace, and single earring from a matching set linked to 19th-century French queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense; an emerald necklace and earrings from Empress Marie-Louise, second wife Napoleon Bonaparte; a reliquary brooch; Empress Eugénie’s diadem; and her large corsage-bow brooch. Also read: Thieves used ‘cherry picker’, ‘angle grinder’ in 7-minute Louvre Museum heist, pulled off like a breeze The crown of Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III, however, has been found by the authorities in damaged condition near the museum. The crown has 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds, and golden eagles, as per the museum website.

<p>The silver and gold coins were part of the city’s private collection. These coins were discovered in 2011 and were traced back to 1790 and 1840.</p>

Hours after Louvre heist, another French museum robbed off gold and silver coins worth $104,000

In addition to the Louvre's wild history of robbery, on Oct 19, four thieves robbed the museum of precious and priceless crown jewels in just seven minutes and fled the scene in a Hollywood movie-style getaway.

From the Mona Lisa to Crown Jewels: Heists and history, the Louvre's most infamous thefts

<p>The Louvre Museum in Paris on Sunday (Oct 18) was struck with chaos after thieves robbed the world-renowned museum of its priceless French imperial jewels. What was left by them was a 19th-century crown that once belonged to Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III. The crown, which is covered in 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds, was found near the museum, broken. The thieves managed to flee with eight other items with an estimated value of $102 million, including an emerald and diamond necklace that Napoleon I gave his wife, Empress Marie Louise</p><h2><strong>Can the crown be restored?</strong></h2><p>The director of the Louvre, Laurence des Cars, said on Wednesday (Oct 22) that the initial assessment of the crown suggests that it could be restored.</p><p>“Initial assessments suggest that a delicate restoration is possible,” Laurence des Cars said. She added that the piece was likely damaged not by the fall but by the robbers when they were trying to extract it from the small opening in its display case.</p><p>It was “crushed when being taken out of the display case”, she said. Following a 2014 study, new ultra-resistant “high-end jewellery showcases” were ordered to house the crown jewels in the Apollo Gallery, des Cars said.</p><p>“The glass was not broken. It was split and the thieves managed to pass their hands through, but the glass held firm,” she added.</p><h2><strong>‘We failed’</strong></h2><p>Des Cars admitted that there was inadequate security camera coverage of the outside walls of the museum.</p><p>“Despite our efforts, despite our hard work on a daily basis, we failed,” des Cars told lawmakers in her first public statement since the robbery. She added that while all alarms had functioned during the heist, security cameras did not adequately cover the thieves’ point of entry.</p><p>“The only camera installed is directed westward and therefore did not cover the balcony involved in the break-in,” she said. “There are some perimeter cameras, but they are ageing.” Surveillance of the museum’s outside walls “is highly insufficient.”</p><p>Des Cars said she had tendered her resignation following the theft on Sunday, but the culture ministry had refused it.</p><p>Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday ordered to speed up security measures at the Louvre after its reopening three days after the brazen heist that took place in broad daylight.</p>

The director of the Louvre, Laurence des Cars, admitted that there was inadequate security camera coverage of the outside walls of the museum.

The Louvre Museum in Paris on Sunday (Oct 18) was struck with chaos after thieves robbed the world-renowned museum of its priceless French imperial jewels. What was left by them was a 19th-century crown that once belonged to Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III. The crown, which is covered in 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds, was found near the museum, broken. The thieves managed to flee with eight other items with an estimated value of $102 million, including an emerald and diamond necklace that Napoleon I gave his wife, Empress Marie Louise Can the crown be restored? The director of the Louvre, Laurence des Cars, said on Wednesday (Oct 22) that the initial assessment of the crown suggests that it could be restored. “Initial assessments suggest that a delicate restoration is possible,” Laurence des Cars said. She added that the piece was likely damaged not by the fall but by the robbers when they were trying to extract it from the small opening in its display case. It was “crushed when being taken out of the display case”, she said. Following a 2014 study, new ultra-resistant “high-end jewellery showcases” were ordered to house the crown jewels in the Apollo Gallery, des Cars said. “The glass was not broken. It was split and the thieves managed to pass their hands through, but the glass held firm,” she added. ‘We failed’ Des Cars admitted that there was inadequate security camera coverage of the outside walls of the museum. “Despite our efforts, despite our hard work on a daily basis, we failed,” des Cars told lawmakers in her first public statement since the robbery. She added that while all alarms had functioned during the heist, security cameras did not adequately cover the thieves’ point of entry. “The only camera installed is directed westward and therefore did not cover the balcony involved in the break-in,” she said. “There are some perimeter cameras, but they are ageing.” Surveillance of the museum’s outside walls “is highly insufficient.” Des Cars said she had tendered her resignation following the theft on Sunday, but the culture ministry had refused it. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday ordered to speed up security measures at the Louvre after its reopening three days after the brazen heist that took place in broad daylight.

<p>The director of the Louvre, Laurence des Cars, admitted that there was inadequate security camera coverage of the outside walls of the museum.</p>

Louvre heist: Can broken diamonds and emeralds crown dropped outside Paris museum be restored?

<p>The Louvre burglary has blown open a fierce public row in France, with critics arguing that the audacious burglary was made possible because of "diversity hires," a barb reminiscent of US President Donald Trump. On Sunday (Oct 19), four masked burglars pulled off what officials called the "theft of the decade," stealing priceless jewellery tied to Napoleon’s family. Investigators are still hunting the suspects and say they have not ruled anything out, including an inside job, though the evidence currently points to organised crime.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-king-trump-trump-shares-ai-generated-video-mocking-protestors-amid-no-kings-protests-1760852945951"><strong>‘King Trump’: Trump shares AI-generated video mocking protestors amid ‘No Kings’ protests</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Lourve museum's security shortcomings revealed</strong></h2><p>The theft has exposed long-running concerns about museum security. Dominique Buffin, 46, who was appointed last September as the Louvre’s first female head of security, has become a target with critics accusing the museum of prioritising optics over competence, and calling for her resignation.</p><p>Marion Maréchal, an MEP (Member of the European Parliament) and niece of Marine Le Pen, has labelled the incident "ridiculous" and said the museum’s director, Laurence Des Cars, should also step down. She said that the burglary has made France the "laughing stock of the world". She alleged that Cars and Buffin were only hired as "part of a feminisation policy," and must be asked to resign. On X, she said that the Culture Minister Rachida Dati "must demand the immediate resignation of the museum’s director Laurence Des Cars and the security chief Dominique Buffin, whom she appointed – Le Monde was delighted – as part of a feminisation policy."</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-like-watching-a-living-galaxy-unfurl-beneath-you-shubhanshu-shukla-shares-breathtaking-diwali-spectacle-of-india-from-space-station-watch-video-1761020335036"><strong>'Like watching a living galaxy unfurl beneath you': Shubhanshu Shukla shares breathtaking Diwali spectacle of India from space station. Watch video</strong></a></p><p>"Evidently at the cost of forgoing competence and endangering the cultural heritage of our Nation," she alleged.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">Depuis 24 heures, la France est la risée du monde à cause du vol ridicule des joyaux de la couronne au Louvre. <br>Cette humiliation ne peut rester sans réaction : Rachida Dati doit exiger la démission immédiate de la directrice du musée Laurence Des Cars et de la responsable de la…</p>— Marion Maréchal (@MarionMarechal) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarionMarechal/status/1980251055267913825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Meanwhile, National Rally leaders described the theft as a wound to France’s soul and an "intolerable humiliation," while the justice minister said the incident painted a terrible image of the country where thieves could just “grab priceless jewels”. Talking to Inter Radio, Gérald Darmanin, the Justice minister, said: "What is certain is that we have failed, since people were able to park a furniture hoist in the middle of Paris, get people up it in several minutes to grab priceless jewels, and give France a terrible image."</p>

The Louvre heist has spiralled into a political firestorm in France, with critics blaming “diversity hires” for what they call a preventable failure. 

The Louvre burglary has blown open a fierce public row in France, with critics arguing that the audacious burglary was made possible because of "diversity hires," a barb reminiscent of US President Donald Trump. On Sunday (Oct 19), four masked burglars pulled off what officials called the "theft of the decade," stealing priceless jewellery tied to Napoleon’s family. Investigators are still hunting the suspects and say they have not ruled anything out, including an inside job, though the evidence currently points to organised crime. Also read | ‘King Trump’: Trump shares AI-generated video mocking protestors amid ‘No Kings’ protests Lourve museum's security shortcomings revealed The theft has exposed long-running concerns about museum security. Dominique Buffin, 46, who was appointed last September as the Louvre’s first female head of security, has become a target with critics accusing the museum of prioritising optics over competence, and calling for her resignation. Marion Maréchal, an MEP (Member of the European Parliament) and niece of Marine Le Pen, has labelled the incident "ridiculous" and said the museum’s director, Laurence Des Cars, should also step down. She said that the burglary has made France the "laughing stock of the world". She alleged that Cars and Buffin were only hired as "part of a feminisation policy," and must be asked to resign. On X, she said that the Culture Minister Rachida Dati "must demand the immediate resignation of the museum’s director Laurence Des Cars and the security chief Dominique Buffin, whom she appointed – Le Monde was delighted – as part of a feminisation policy." Also read | 'Like watching a living galaxy unfurl beneath you': Shubhanshu Shukla shares breathtaking Diwali spectacle of India from space station. Watch video "Evidently at the cost of forgoing competence and endangering the cultural heritage of our Nation," she alleged.

<p>The Louvre heist has spiralled into a political firestorm in France, with critics blaming “diversity hires” for what they call a preventable failure.&nbsp;</p>

Louvre burglary sparks outrage, critics blame 'diversity hires' for the 'theft of the decade'

<p>Following a brazen heist at the Paris’s Louvre museum, its management on Monday (Oct 20) denied claims that they contacted a private Israeli intel firm to investigation into the jewel theft at the world-renowned French museum. Earlier, Tel Aviv based CGI Group claimed that the Louvre had sought its help for the probe into the audacious weekend robbery due to its past success in 2019 when it recovered stolen artefacts from a German museum.</p><p>“The Louvre management denies it,” museum representatives told AFP, without further details.</p><h2><strong>What did Israeli intel group claim?</strong></h2><p>The CGI Group claimed earlier that Louvre had asked them to uncover the indentity of the culprits involved in the brazen heist and recover the stolen French imperial jewels.</p><p>CGI Group CEO Zvika Naveh told AFP, “The Louvre exceptionally asked us to uncover the identity of people involved in the theft and to retrieve the stolen artefacts.”</p><p>When asked for clarification, Naveh said that the request had come “via an intermediary acting on behalf of the Louvre and other entities, including insurance companies.”</p><p>However, Louvre’s management has maintained that it had not “contacted anyone” for help into the investigation.</p><h2><strong>What prosecutor said</strong></h2><p>The group of chainsaw-wielding thieves who robbed The Louvre in broad daylight may have been hired by a collector, officials said on Monday. A day earlier, thieves broke into the world-renowned museum and fled with eight French imperial jewels–all within seven minutes. The culprits targeted Galerie d'Apollon.</p><p>Following the incident, French authorities found a 19th-century crown near the museum. The crown belonged to Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III. It features golden eagles and is covered in 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds.</p><p>Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau said that authorities are investigating whether the heist was commissioned by a collector, reported New York Post. “We’re looking at the hypothesis of organized crime,” she told BFM TV. She added that it was possible professionals were working on spec for a buyer.</p><p>Beccuau said, in that case, that there was a good chance that the stolen pieces would be in good condition once they’re tracked down and retrieved. She added that it was also possible that the jewels were used to launder profits from other criminal enterprises.</p>

The CGI Group claimed earlier that Louvre had asked them to uncover the indentity of the culprits involved in the brazen heist and recover the stolen French imperial jewels.

Following a brazen heist at the Paris’s Louvre museum, its management on Monday (Oct 20) denied claims that they contacted a private Israeli intel firm to investigation into the jewel theft at the world-renowned French museum. Earlier, Tel Aviv based CGI Group claimed that the Louvre had sought its help for the probe into the audacious weekend robbery due to its past success in 2019 when it recovered stolen artefacts from a German museum. “The Louvre management denies it,” museum representatives told AFP, without further details. What did Israeli intel group claim? The CGI Group claimed earlier that Louvre had asked them to uncover the indentity of the culprits involved in the brazen heist and recover the stolen French imperial jewels. CGI Group CEO Zvika Naveh told AFP, “The Louvre exceptionally asked us to uncover the identity of people involved in the theft and to retrieve the stolen artefacts.” When asked for clarification, Naveh said that the request had come “via an intermediary acting on behalf of the Louvre and other entities, including insurance companies.” However, Louvre’s management has maintained that it had not “contacted anyone” for help into the investigation. What prosecutor said The group of chainsaw-wielding thieves who robbed The Louvre in broad daylight may have been hired by a collector, officials said on Monday. A day earlier, thieves broke into the world-renowned museum and fled with eight French imperial jewels–all within seven minutes. The culprits targeted Galerie d'Apollon. Following the incident, French authorities found a 19th-century crown near the museum. The crown belonged to Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III. It features golden eagles and is covered in 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds. Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau said that authorities are investigating whether the heist was commissioned by a collector, reported New York Post. “We’re looking at the hypothesis of organized crime,” she told BFM TV. She added that it was possible professionals were working on spec for a buyer. Beccuau said, in that case, that there was a good chance that the stolen pieces would be in good condition once they’re tracked down and retrieved. She added that it was also possible that the jewels were used to launder profits from other criminal enterprises.

<p>The CGI Group claimed earlier that Louvre had asked them to uncover the indentity of the culprits involved in the brazen heist and recover the stolen French imperial jewels.</p>

Did Louvre contact Israeli intel firm for help in investigation? Here’s what museum said

<p>The group of chainsaw-wielding thieves who robbed The Louvre in broad daylight may have been hired by a collector, officials said. A day earlier, thieves broke into the world-renowned museum and fled with eight French imperial jewels–all within seven minutes. The culprits targeted Galerie d'Apollon, the officials said. Following the incident, French authorities found a 19th-century crown near the museum. The crown belonged to Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III. It features golden eagles and is covered in 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds.</p><p>Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau said that authorities are investigating whether the heist was commissioned by a collector, reported New York Post. “We’re looking at the hypothesis of organized crime,” she told BFM TV. She added that it was possible professionals were working on spec for a buyer.</p><p>Beccuau said, in that case, that there was a good chance that the stolen pieces would be in good condition once they’re tracked down and retrieved. She added that it was also possible that the jewels were used to launder profits from other criminal enterprises.</p><p>“Nowadays, anything can be linked to drug trafficking, given the significant sums of money obtained from drug trafficking,” she said.</p><p>Beccuau noted that while investigators were keeping all angles open for the crime but foreign interference had been largely ruled out.</p><p>The Louvre museum remained closed on Monday (Oct 20), second day after the brazen theft. A team of 60 investigators are on a manhunt to catch the thieves who fled with eight items from the world-renowned museum.</p><p>Meanwhile, France’s Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin on Monday admitted lapses in the security of the museum that led to robbers gaining entry and fleeing with imperial jewels in broad daylight.</p><p>“What is certain is that we have failed, since people were able to park a furniture hoist in the middle of Paris, get people up it in several minutes to grab priceless jewels and give France a terrible image,” he told France Inter radio.</p><p>Four thieves wielding power tools raided the Louvre in just seven minutes around 9:30 am and fled with some of the country’s priceless crown jewels. The museum had just opened minutes before at 9:00 am.</p><p>According to the culture ministry, “Two high-security display cases were targeted, and eight objects of invaluable cultural heritage were stolen.” The largest museum in the world is home to world-famous art spectacles, including the Mona Lisa.</p>

Beccuau noted that while investigators were keeping all angles open for the crime but foreign interference had been largely ruled out.

The group of chainsaw-wielding thieves who robbed The Louvre in broad daylight may have been hired by a collector, officials said. A day earlier, thieves broke into the world-renowned museum and fled with eight French imperial jewels–all within seven minutes. The culprits targeted Galerie d'Apollon, the officials said. Following the incident, French authorities found a 19th-century crown near the museum. The crown belonged to Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III. It features golden eagles and is covered in 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds. Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau said that authorities are investigating whether the heist was commissioned by a collector, reported New York Post. “We’re looking at the hypothesis of organized crime,” she told BFM TV. She added that it was possible professionals were working on spec for a buyer. Beccuau said, in that case, that there was a good chance that the stolen pieces would be in good condition once they’re tracked down and retrieved. She added that it was also possible that the jewels were used to launder profits from other criminal enterprises. “Nowadays, anything can be linked to drug trafficking, given the significant sums of money obtained from drug trafficking,” she said. Beccuau noted that while investigators were keeping all angles open for the crime but foreign interference had been largely ruled out. The Louvre museum remained closed on Monday (Oct 20), second day after the brazen theft. A team of 60 investigators are on a manhunt to catch the thieves who fled with eight items from the world-renowned museum. Meanwhile, France’s Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin on Monday admitted lapses in the security of the museum that led to robbers gaining entry and fleeing with imperial jewels in broad daylight. “What is certain is that we have failed, since people were able to park a furniture hoist in the middle of Paris, get people up it in several minutes to grab priceless jewels and give France a terrible image,” he told France Inter radio. Four thieves wielding power tools raided the Louvre in just seven minutes around 9:30 am and fled with some of the country’s priceless crown jewels. The museum had just opened minutes before at 9:00 am. According to the culture ministry, “Two high-security display cases were targeted, and eight objects of invaluable cultural heritage were stolen.” The largest museum in the world is home to world-famous art spectacles, including the Mona Lisa.

<p>Beccuau noted that while investigators were keeping all angles open for the crime but foreign interference had been largely ruled out.</p>

Was Louvre heist commissioned by collector? What we know about brazen crime

<p>The Louvre museum remained closed on Monday (Oct 20) following a brazen theft after thieves broke in and stole priceless jewels in broad daylight. A team of 60 investigators are on a manhunt to catch the thieves who fled with eight items from the world-renowned museum. The culprits targeted Galerie d'Apollon, which houses the French crown jewels, and committed the robbery within seven minutes. Following the incident, French authorities found a 19th-century crown near the museum. The crown belonged to Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III. It features golden eagles and is covered in 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds.</p><p>“Following yesterday's robbery at the Louvre, the museum regrets to inform you that it will remain closed to the public today,” the museum said on its website.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/louvre-robbery-crown-with-1-354-diamonds-56-emeralds-found-broken-near-paris-museum-1760882905837"><strong>Louvre robbery: Crown with 1,354 diamonds, 56 emeralds found broken near Paris museum</strong></a></p><p>Shortly before the announcement, queues of impatient visitors were seen making their way across the museum’s pyramid courtyard and under the tall arches of the main entrance gallery.</p><p>France’s Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin on Monday admitted lapses in the security of the museum that led to robbers gaining entry and fleeing with imperial jewels in broad daylight.</p><p>“What is certain is that we have failed, since people were able to park a furniture hoist in the middle of Paris, get people up it in several minutes to grab priceless jewels and give France a terrible image,” he told France Inter radio.</p><p>Four thieves wielding power tools raided the Louvre in just seven minutes around 9:30 am and fled with some of the country’s priceless crown jewels. The museum had just opened minutes before at 9:00 am.</p><p>According to the culture ministry, “Two high-security display cases were targeted, and eight objects of invaluable cultural heritage were stolen.” The largest museum in the world is home to world-famous art spectacles, including the Mona Lisa.&nbsp;</p>

France’s Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin on Monday admitted lapses in the security of the museum that led to robbers gaining entry and fleeing with imperial jewels in broad daylight.

The Louvre museum remained closed on Monday (Oct 20) following a brazen theft after thieves broke in and stole priceless jewels in broad daylight. A team of 60 investigators are on a manhunt to catch the thieves who fled with eight items from the world-renowned museum. The culprits targeted Galerie d'Apollon, which houses the French crown jewels, and committed the robbery within seven minutes. Following the incident, French authorities found a 19th-century crown near the museum. The crown belonged to Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III. It features golden eagles and is covered in 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds. “Following yesterday's robbery at the Louvre, the museum regrets to inform you that it will remain closed to the public today,” the museum said on its website. Also read | Louvre robbery: Crown with 1,354 diamonds, 56 emeralds found broken near Paris museum Shortly before the announcement, queues of impatient visitors were seen making their way across the museum’s pyramid courtyard and under the tall arches of the main entrance gallery. France’s Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin on Monday admitted lapses in the security of the museum that led to robbers gaining entry and fleeing with imperial jewels in broad daylight. “What is certain is that we have failed, since people were able to park a furniture hoist in the middle of Paris, get people up it in several minutes to grab priceless jewels and give France a terrible image,” he told France Inter radio. Four thieves wielding power tools raided the Louvre in just seven minutes around 9:30 am and fled with some of the country’s priceless crown jewels. The museum had just opened minutes before at 9:00 am. According to the culture ministry, “Two high-security display cases were targeted, and eight objects of invaluable cultural heritage were stolen.” The largest museum in the world is home to world-famous art spectacles, including the Mona Lisa.

<p>France’s Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin on Monday admitted lapses in the security of the museum that led to robbers gaining entry and fleeing with imperial jewels in broad daylight.</p>

Louvre robbery: Museum remains closed on second day following brazen heist; justice minister admits security lapse

Four thieves wielding power tools raided the Louvre in just seven minutes and fled with some of the country’s priceless crown jewels.

In Pics | What items were stolen from Paris’ Louvre in robbery?

<p>Tourists were sent back after the robbery in the famous &nbsp;Louvre Museum in Paris on Sunday (Oct 19). A video circulated online showed people leaving the place disappointed after they failed to catch a glimpse of the Mona Lisa.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>What happened?</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>France's Culture Minister Rachida Dati first informed about the robbery.</p><p>"A robbery took place this morning at the opening of the Louvre Museum. No injuries reported. I'm on the site with museum staff and police," she said. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said the theft lasted only seven minutes.</p>

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<p><strong>How did it happen?</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>As per police sources quoted by AFP, robbers arrived on a scooter carrying disc cutters and used a goods lift to reach their target. The thieves left with "priceless jewellery", the value of which is still being determined.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-ceasefire-at-risk-us-warns-of-hamas-attack-on-civilians-militants-call-claim-false-say-we-categorically-deny-it-1760860736782"><strong>Gaza ceasefire at risk? US warns of new Hamas attack, militants call claim false</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>According to reports, Napoleon-era jewels were stolen during the heist.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, the French authorities on Sunday (Oct 18) found a damaged 19th-century crown near the Louvre museum in Paris following a robbery earlier in the day. The crown, which belonged to Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III, features golden eagles and is covered in 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds, according to the museum’s website. Earlier today, the world-renowned museum was targeted in a heist, following which the officials said that the robbers made off with “priceless” jewels in broad daylight.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The priceless crown belonged to Empress Eugenie, wife of Emperor Napoleon III, and is among the most treasured articles at the Louvre Museum. The crown features beautiful goldwork and golden eagles, with dazzling 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds. The precious jewellery is a symbol of 19th-century French imperial elegance. The full extent of damage to the piece is not known yet.</p>

As per police sources quoted by AFP, robbers arrived on a scooter carrying disc cutters and used a goods lift to reach their target. 

Tourists were sent back after the robbery in the famous Louvre Museum in Paris on Sunday (Oct 19). A video circulated online showed people leaving the place disappointed after they failed to catch a glimpse of the Mona Lisa. What happened? France's Culture Minister Rachida Dati first informed about the robbery. "A robbery took place this morning at the opening of the Louvre Museum. No injuries reported. I'm on the site with museum staff and police," she said. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said the theft lasted only seven minutes.

<p>As per police sources quoted by AFP, robbers arrived on a scooter carrying disc cutters and used a goods lift to reach their target. The thieves left with "priceless jewellery", the value of which is still being determined.</p>

Watch: Tourists asked to leave after Louvre Museum robbery, ‘priceless jwellery’ stolen