A manhunt is under way in Paris after a gang of thieves carried out a daring daylight raid on the Louvre Museum, stealing jewels described as “priceless.”
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said the masked suspects completed the burglary within minutes on Sunday morning, shortly after the museum opened to visitors. The gang reportedly used a mechanical ladder to access a first-floor window, broke into display cases, and escaped on mopeds.
Officials said the thieves targeted the Gallery of Apollo, which houses France’s royal jewels. Nine items dating back to the 19th century were stolen, including a brooch and a pair of emerald earrings that once belonged to Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III. Her ornate crown, featuring golden eagles and covered in 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds, was found nearby, apparently dropped by the robbers in their haste.
Paris prosecutors said the thieves used battery-powered disc cutters to gain entry, with two of the four suspects entering the building and threatening guards. A vehicle-mounted extendable ladder, believed to have been used in the break-in, was found near the River Seine.
France’s culture ministry said the gang tried to set fire to the vehicle before fleeing but were stopped by a museum staff member. No injuries were reported.
Nuñez described the stolen jewels as “of immeasurable heritage value,” noting that their cultural significance far outweighed their market worth. Experts believe the criminals may attempt to dismantle and sell the gemstones, which are harder to trace than famous artworks.
Police evacuated the Louvre and kept it closed for the day as the investigation continued. Tourists arriving at the site were turned away, many unaware of the heist.
American visitors Jim and Joan Carpenter told Reuters they were ushered out of the museum as security guards cleared the galleries.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
Follow us on:
