Months after one of the most daring museum robberies in recent history, new security footage has revealed how thieves carried out a USD 102 million jewellery heist at Paris’ Louvre Museum. The robbery, which took place in broad daylight in October, lasted only minutes but exposed serious security gaps at the world-famous cultural landmark.
The video shows two masked individuals operating swiftly inside the Louvre’s Apollo Gallery. One suspect is seen smashing his forearm through a glass display case before grabbing several priceless jewels. His accomplice appears to assist and keep watch as the operation unfolds with precision and speed.
Thieves Walk Out Calmly
In the footage, the thief places the stolen ornaments into the inside pocket of a high-visibility jacket, retrieves a bag resting on shattered glass, and walks away without drawing attention. The pair then break into a second, larger display case, removing more jewellery before exiting the gallery. Officials said the entire heist took less than 10 minutes, between 9:35 am and 9:39 am, even as visitors were present.
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What Was Stolen In USD 102 Million Heist
According to Bloomberg, eight royal artefacts were stolen, including jewellery linked to French queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense, emerald pieces belonging to Empress Marie-Louise, a reliquary brooch, Empress Eugénie’s diadem, and her corsage-bow brooch. The crown of Empress Eugénie, containing 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds, was later recovered nearby in damaged condition and is expected to be restored.
Louvre director Laurence des Cars acknowledged security shortcomings, telling French lawmakers that a lack of proper camera coverage contributed to the breach. “Despite our efforts, despite our hard work on a daily basis, we failed,” she said, noting that the only camera installed did not cover the balcony used by the thieves.
Arrests Made Within Days Of Robbery
French authorities arrested two men in their 30s from Seine-Saint-Denis within a week of the heist. One suspect was detained at Charles de Gaulle Airport while attempting to flee to Algeria. Both were already known to police for previous burglary cases.