There were security guards, high-tech alarms, and millions of visitors. Still, it only took four masked thieves seven minutes to shatter nine frames and steal several valuable jewels from one of the world's most visited museums, the Louvre. 

The gang reported to the museum on October 19th at 9:30 A.M. local time, shortly after the museum opened to the public. All four thieves used a crane to reach the museum’s balcony, cut through a window, and stole jewels after threatening guards. Lack of CCTV cameras in some areas of the museum resulted in the guards only seeing the thieves a few minutes later. According to authorities, nine items were stolen, but one of them was dropped in the museum during the escape. The items included necklaces, a jeweled headband, earrings, a tiara, a sapphire set, and brooches. All of these items are estimated to be worth $102 million. 

French senator Natalie Goulet called the incident “very painful” for France, showing anger and disbelief about how it happened so easily. The scene caused some people to think back to when the Mona Lisa was stolen in 1911 from the Louvre. The occurrence resulted in some individuals criticizing the museum's security.

Some experts have said that it is highly likely the pieces will be sold for a fraction of their worth and smuggled out of France. Dutch art detective Arthur Brand told the BBC he feared the jewels may already be "long gone" and could have already been broken up into many pieces. Brand thinks that the gold and silver objects will be melted down and the gems cut up into smaller stones, which will be virtually impossible to track back to the Louvre robbery. 

However, there is some chance that they can recover the items.

As of now, two suspects have been arrested and are in the custody of French police. The suspects were linked to DNA left over from the heist. The professional nature of the heist suggests that the thieves were experienced criminals. 

Published to the Wolfpack Press: October 28, 2025.