The Louvre Museum in Paris was robbed on Sunday morning — with unknown miscreants stealing nine pieces of jewellery from the Napoleon and Empress collection. French authorities later confirmed that one of the “priceless” jewels was “found during the escape” of the criminals. Lawmakers suggest that the heist was pulled off in a matter of minutes before the “professionals” escaped on motorbikes.
The Paris prosecutor’s office has announced the opening of an investigation into organized theft and criminal conspiracy to commit a crime. Officials are currently assessing the damage and remain on the premises. The Musée du Louvre has also announced a closure for the day citing ‘exceptional reasons’.
“A robbery took place this morning at the opening of the Musée du Louvre. No injuries to report. I am on site alongside the museum teams and the police. Investigations underway,” French Culture Minister Rachida Dati wrote on X.
“The Musée du Louvre will remain closed today for exceptional reasons,” the museum authorities added.
What was stolen?
According to reports, nine jewelry items from the Napoleon and Empress collection were stolen during the robbery on Sunday morning. The incident also comes mere days after museum authorities announced the recovery of several jeweled snuffboxes that had been stolen during a violent daylight robbery at the Musée Cognacq-Jay in Paris a year earlier.
French daily Le Parisien reported that the criminals entered the world’s most visited museum and former palace via the Seine-facing facade, where construction is underway. The report said they used a freight elevator to gain direct access to the targeted room in the Apollo Gallery. After breaking windows, they reportedly stole “nine pieces from the jewellery collection of Napoleon and the Empress,” Le Parisien said.
