Stolen jewels, disguises, and a motorcycle retreat. One may think of a spy movie when they read these words. However, these words became reality when a crafty heist of France’s crown jewels took place at the Louvre, leaving the world in shock. Around 9:30 AM on the 19th of October, perplexed Louvre visitors were urged to evacuate the museum as authorities began to flood the scene. Instantaneously, this bold 102 million dollar heist has become one of the highest profile heists in recent history.
Only thirty minutes after the Louvre’s opening, suspects disguised as construction workers took advantage of an area under construction to enter the Louvre’s Galerie d’Apollon window from a basketlift. The suspects used a disc cutter to cut the window panes allowing them to enter the gallery and smash display cases protecting the historical French crown jewels. As alarms brought security to the room, the suspects managed to escape with eight jewels. After a failed attempt of starting the basket lift on fire, the suspects fled on motorbikes leaving DNA on the lift and dropping the Empress Eugenie’s crown on the pavement.
Many speculations point to the museum’s staffing issues and lack of security as contributors to the heist. The Louvre even used the simplistic password “Louvre” for their security system. As the heist unravels, the Louvre administration has experienced immense pressure. An article published by Associated Press, remarks that the Louvre Director, Laurence des Cars, stated that the Heist was a “terrible failure” and she “offered to resign but it was refused”. Cars revealed that the “museum has a shortage of security cameras outside the monument” as well as other discerning weaknesses. Louvre authorities continue to piece together this shocking event as well as figuring out how to improve the Louvre’s security.
New groundbreaking details continue to surface as the hunt for the guilty suspects and stolen jewels lengthens. Two men ages 34 and 39 from Aubervilliers were arrested on October 25th and charged on November 1st. The 39 year old is known for several thefts as well as operating as an illegal taxi driver. Additionally, the 34 year old man, an unemployed Algerian national, is known by Police regarding traffic offenses and thefts. This suspect was arrested at Charles de Gaulle airport while attempting to flee to Algeria.
Large numbers of investigators have swarmed Paris and its suburbs to track down any remaining suspects detected from the DNA evidence extracted from the crime scene. On the 29th of October, five more suspects were arrested across Paris –two of which are believed to be part of the group of four who broke into the Louvre. The suspects include a 38 year old woman and her partner, a 37 year old man with a vast criminal record, who have denied involvement in the crime. As of now, seven suspects have been reported, four are in custody, two are charged, and the location of the 102 million dollar worth Napoleonic Crown Jewels remains a mystery.
