May 13, 2026 3:52:25 PM
On October 19, 2025, thieves executed a brazen, four-minute heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris, stealing eight pieces of 19th-century French crown jewels worth approximately €88 million. Disguised as workers, four suspects used a mechanical lift to access the Apollo Gallery, breaking in with power tools while threatening guards during public hours.
Key Details of the 2025 Louvre Heist:
- The Heist: At 09:30 local time, the gang used a vehicle-mounted lift to enter a first-floor window, targeting the Galerie d’Apollon (Gallery of Apollo).
- Stolen Items: Eight, mostly, items were taken, including a diadem belonging to Empress Eugénie (with nearly 2,000 diamonds), and a sapphire and diamond set belonging to Queen Marie-Amelie.
- Recovered Item: While fleeing on scooters, the thieves dropped a valuable tiara/crown of Empress Eugénie, which was later recovered.
- Investigation: The items were added to INTERPOL's Stolen Works of Art database. Authorities suspect a professional team, as the theft occurred in broad daylight and lasted under eight minutes.
- Impact: The museum was temporarily closed. This was the first major art theft at the Louvre since 1998.
The heist caused major embarrassment to security officials, as the thieves managed to break into one of the world's most secure buildings in mere minutes.
