• Source:JND
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In a shocking daylight robbery that has stunned France, thieves carried out a lightning-fast heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris, stealing nine pieces from the French Crown Jewels collection. The robbery, executed with military precision, took place in the Apollon Gallery, just 800 metres from Paris police headquarters, on Sunday morning. 

According to French officials, four balaclava-clad men arrived along the Seine around 9:30 am, about half an hour after the museum had opened to visitors. Using a truck equipped with a basket lift and an extendable ladder, the suspects scaled the building’s riverfront facade to access a second-floor balcony window. Once inside, they used power tools, including an angle grinder and a mini chainsaw, to smash through glass display cases and seize the priceless jewels.

A witness named Samir, who was cycling nearby, told TF1 that he saw “two men get on the hoist, break the window and enter… it took 30 seconds.” He added that he later saw four individuals fleeing on scooters and immediately called the police.

Culture Minister RachidaDati described the operation as a “four-minute robbery,” noting that the intruders knew exactly where to strike. Despite the Louvre’s world-class security systems, the heist was over before guards could react.

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AI Video Sparks Debate

As investigators hunt the suspects, an AI-generated video of the robbery surfaced on social media, portraying the event like a Hollywood film. The viral clip, which mirrors key details of the heist, has sparked debate over misinformation and the dangers of deepfake technology amid an ongoing police investigation.

Priceless Crown Jewels Stolen

Among the stolen items were some of France’s most treasured royal artefacts, including Queen Marie-Ameie’s diamond and sapphire tiara, sapphire earrings, and necklace, all of which once belonged to the last Queen of France. Also missing were an emerald necklace and earrings belonging to Napoleon Bonaparte’s second wife, Marie-Louise, and a large diamond-studded bodice bow owned by Empress Eugenie, valued at USD 10.5 million when purchased by the museum in 2008.

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In total, nine items were stolen, but one, Empress Eugénie’s emerald-set imperial crown, was accidentally dropped and found shattered outside the museum. The crown, adorned with over 1,300 diamonds, once belonged to Napoleon III’s wife. 

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