Two suspects have admitted their part in an audacious robbery at Paris’ Louvre Museum. This legendary art institution is one of the most famous in the world, and rightfully so. The theft, which happened at the Apollo Gallery, took place in broad daylight and only took seven minutes. The robbers escaped with gems worth a staggering 88 million euros – about $102 million.
Among these ill-gotten gauds shines a verdant necklace of emeralds. This breathtaking work is set with more than 1,000 diamonds and was first given by Napoleon to his second wife, Empress Marie-Louise. The master criminal’s coup de grâce included an arresting array of diamond and sapphire jewelry. This stunning ensemble had been worn by both Queen Marie-Amélie and her mother, Queen Hortense. The theft included cutting through two high-security, alarmed display cases to take a nine-piece ensemble.
Police arrested the two suspects responsible for stealing the sign. One a 34-year-old man of Algerian nationality, the other, a 39-year-old illegal taxi and delivery driver from Aubervilliers, a northeastern suburb of Paris. One of the suspects was arrested at Charles de Gaulle Airport as he tried to leave the country. Since their arrest both men were held for 96 hours of interrogation and have since been placed in detention.
Laure Beccuau, a spokesperson for the Louvre, stated, “There is nothing to suggest that the four perpetrators benefited from any form of inside help within the museum.”
In spite of these suspects’ confessions, the jewels have yet to be recovered, and are still not in the custody of local authorities. Beccuau said they are hoping for their return. Overall, he added, “I want to continue feeding this hope that they will be found and that they can return to the Louvre museum and the French nation.”
The implications of the Louvre Heist have set major alarms on how protective measures at cultural institutions are handled today. In the wake of the spillage, experts are urging the reassessment of current protocols to avoid future occurrences like this one. The museum is home to irreplaceable collections and historical treasures. Today, it’s under siege, forced to restore and refine its security apparatus and safeguard against someone else’s cutting-edge machinations.
