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On October 19th, 2025, the Louvre Museum in Paris, France, experienced a shocking heist in a world of modern technology. It carried the message that heists and robberies still happen, even in a contemporary world.
How did the suspects steal the jewels?
Four suspects arrived at the museum in broad daylight, with tourists and citizens alike in the museum. They used a mechanical lift with a ladder attached to it to reach the window and cut the glass with power tools. They entered the Apollo Gallery, which houses many of France’s crown jewels, and they then cut the glass cases. In less than 10 minutes, they were out of the museum. They fled on scooters that were waiting for them.
Following the theft, the museum was immediately evacuated. Some flaws in the museum's security allowed for this heist to happen. There were few cameras on the perimeter of the Apollo Gallery. The camera on the balcony that the thieves entered from was actually facing the other way. The heist was very well planned and executed.
What was stolen?
The thieves stole eight items. They were all from the 19th century that were worn by the French nobility or imperial rulers. Necklaces, tiaras, brooches, and earrings were among the items stolen. These included tiaras worn by Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense. They were also able to take an emerald set of earrings and a necklace that belonged to Empress Marie Louise, and a tiara and brooch that belonged to Empress Eugénie, the wife of Napoleon II. The estimated combined value of these jewels is around $100 million. However, on their way out, the thieves dropped Empress Eugénie’s crown, which contains over 2,000 diamonds and over 50 emeralds.
Has anyone been caught?
Directly after the robbery, the Louvre was closed for investigation. It reopened on October 22nd, three days after the heist. However, the Apollo Gallery remains closed for investigation and to prevent public interference. The police used camera footage on the escape route, as well as DNA and other clues left at the crime scene, such as the mechanical lift, to identify possible thieves. They used databases to pinpoint people involved in previous criminal activity. Using these strategies, they have apprehended three of the four people suspected of stealing the jewels. Another woman, a spouse to one of the men, has been arrested as well for conspiracy along with the three men. They also released five people falsely believed to be involved with the heist. Those involved in the heist were shown to be local and not involved in serious criminal activity. However, as of November 9th, one of the four who directly stole the items is still at large and is being sought. The police believe that there are also people connected to the heist who have not been found.
What will happen to the jewels?
Despite the arrests of multiple people, the jewels have not been recovered. They may have been broken or melted down for sale on the black market, where they can fetch high prices. However, officials have not given up hope of recovering these symbolic jewels, telling the country of France the message that even in shocking circumstances, leading with an open and hopeful mind is the strongest way to tackle problems.
Sources
Arrests in Louvre Heist Show Power of DNA Databases in Solving Crimes
Louvre heist suspects are local petty criminals, Paris prosecutor says
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