A group of thieves disguised themselves as workers to break into the renowned Louvre gallery in Paris in a daring heist that lasted only seven minutes. The robbery took place just as the museum was getting ready to open to the public on Sunday morning. The criminals targeted priceless jewelry once owned by Napoleon and his family.
French authorities have assigned 60 investigators to handle the case, launching a manhunt to locate the thieves. This incident marks the first robbery at the Louvre since 1998 when a painting by artist Corot was stolen.
During the heist, nine valuable pieces were taken, with two of them dropped by the thieves and later recovered. The entire theft operation was executed within a brief seven-minute timeframe. The thieves arrived on motorbikes and accessed a part of the museum undergoing renovations.
Using angle grinders, the gang cut through a window to gain entry into the building. Two individuals entered the museum while others remained outside. The criminals used a chainsaw to break glass cabinets containing prized possessions, threatening museum guards with their tools.
The stolen items included a tiara, necklaces, and earrings with historical significance. The group made their escape on motorbikes, taking off with eight pieces and leaving behind the Eugénie Crown, a significant Second Empire artifact. Authorities are actively pursuing leads to apprehend the culprits involved in this high-profile heist.