Louvre Heist: Stolen $102 Million jewels may already be dismantled or melted as authorities race against time
The stolen items included a tiara, necklace and earrings from the Queen Marie-Amélie sapphire set, an emerald necklace and earrings from the Empress Marie-Louise set, and several items, including a tiara and large bow brooch, belonging to Empress Eugénie de Montijo.
Remarkably, Empress Eugénie’s crown was dropped by thieves during the escape and was later found outside the museum, although damaged.
The robbery, which lasted just seven minutes, was carried out with military precision. Four masked thieves used a truck-mounted mechanical elevator to gain access to the first floor window of the Galerie d’Apollon. They then used power tools to break the display cases and escaped on motorcycles. Despite the quick intervention of security guards, the thieves managed to escape.
Authorities are currently grappling with the possibility of the stolen jewelry being smashed or melted down. Experts and historians warn that thieves will likely break pieces, melt down precious metals and recut identifiable stones to erase traces of their origin.
Erin Thompson, an art crime professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, said thieves who commit such robberies often dismantle or melt conspicuous items “as quickly as possible, within a few hours,” to reduce the risk of being caught, according to the USA Today website. While this reduces their historical value, it also makes it difficult to trace the pieces back to the museum. The investigation is being carried out by the BRB, a specialist police unit experienced in tackling high-profile burglaries. Former French police officer Pascal Szkudlara agrees, noting that such high-value thefts often lead to the rapid dismantling of untraceable loot to facilitate resale. He added that although the thieves could be caught, it was unlikely that the jewels could be recovered in their original condition.
Szkudlara stated that they are “100 percent” confident that the thieves will be caught, and added, “They can work teams on this 24/7 and for a long time.” he said.
France has ordered a comprehensive security audit of the Louvre, which welcomed 8.7 million visitors last year, and has vowed to increase security at other cultural landmarks. Justice Minister Gérard Darmanin told France Inter that authorities had “failed” to adequately protect the “priceless” jewels.
“These items have an invaluable heritage and historical value, beyond their market value,” the Louvre said in a statement.
