A significant heist took place at the Louvre Museum in Paris on October 19, 2025, as a group of burglars expertly stole nine priceless pieces of jewelry in broad daylight. The audacious crime unfolded around 9:30 AM, when these organized criminals arrived on scooters amid a bustling crowd of tourists.
According to French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez, the thieves broke into the museum using a basket lift set up on a truck, allowing them quick access to the Apollo Gallery. Reports indicate three or four individuals smashed a window and made their way to display cases, targeting the historic collection of Napoleon and Empress Joséphine.
At that time, the area under construction provided an unexpected opportunity for the thieves. With law enforcement now in a race against time, they are working diligently to recover several stolen items before they can be altered or sold. Among the missing pieces are:
1. A tiara from the collection of Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense
2. A necklace from Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense’s sapphire set
3. One earring from the same set
4. An emerald necklace from the Marie-Louise set
5. A pair of emerald earrings also from the Marie-Louise set
6. A brooch known as the reliquary brooch
7. A tiara belonging to Empress Eugénie
8. A large bodice knot (brooch) of Empress Eugénie
Interestingly, the Eugénie Crown, rich with thousands of diamonds and emeralds, was found discarded and damaged outside after reportedly being thrown from the scene. This incident highlights the troubling reality of organized crime, where professionals with international connections exploit vulnerabilities in security systems.
The urgent situation at the Louvre brings to light the need for better protection of national treasures, ensuring that such valuable heritage is preserved for future generations.
