Heist at the Louvre: The Vanishing of Precious Jewels

Wed Oct 22 2025 02:12:03 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A daring robbery at the Louvre Museum in Paris has left authorities grappling with the loss of priceless jewels. Experts warn that recovery may already be impossible.

In a daylight heist that took only eight minutes, thieves stole valuable jewels from the Louvre, raising fears that they may have already been dismantled and sold. Authorities suspect an organized crime network is behind the theft, as experts estimate the stolen items could be worth up to £10 million.

French police are desperate to retrieve priceless jewels stolen from the Louvre in a brazen daylight robbery, but experts have warned it may already be too late to save them.

In Paris on Sunday, thieves broke into the world's most-visited museum, stealing eight valued items before escaping on scooters in a daring heist that took about eight minutes.

Dutch art detective Arthur Brand told the BBC he feared the jewels may already be long gone, having been broken up into hundreds of parts.

It is highly likely the pieces will be sold for a fraction of their worth and smuggled out of France, other experts have said.

Who may be behind the heist

The group were professionals, Mr. Brand believes, as demonstrated by the fact they were in and out of the Louvre so quickly.

Authorities have said they suspect the heist is linked to an organized crime network. Brand suggests DNA evidence left at the scene may be a way to catch the thieves.

Organized crime groups typically aim to benefit a sponsor or obtain valuable items for money laundering operations, the Paris prosecutor noted.

Potential £10m price tag

The stolen jewellery, which could amount to a value of £10 million (€11.52m; $13.4m), includes iconic pieces like Empress Eugénie's tiara, along with other significant items. As legacy pieces, they hold great significance to the French and may take years to recover.

Experts fear that unless the items are recovered soon, the chances of seeing them intact again will diminish.

This bold heist has resonated deeply with the people of France, highlighting the emotional and cultural connection they hold towards their national treasures.