Bold robbery at the Louvre: theft of valuable jewels from the time of Napoleon
26 october 2025 в 19:13
The most famous museum in the world has become the site of one of the boldest crimes in Europe. French authorities are investigating a daring daytime robbery at the Louvre in Paris, during which priceless treasures from the time of Napoleon went missing. Suspects have been arrested in connection with the robbery — one near Paris, and another attempting to flee the country — while the police continue to search for more accomplices and the stolen treasures.
Find out what is already known about the suspects, how the robbery occurred, and the latest updates in the investigation below.
The daring robbery took place on October 19, 2025, around 9:30 in the morning, just after the museum opened.
The robbers, disguised as construction workers in high-visibility vests, arrived in a truck with a retractable ladder to reach the second-floor balcony of the Apollo Gallery through the Seine facade. They used power tools — a grinder and other equipment — to cut through a window, broke into two display cases containing the crown jewels of the Napoleonic era, and escaped on motorcycles in what French officials described as a «professional» operation lasting only seven minutes.
Investigators found DNA traces on a helmet and glove left at the crime scene, providing them with strong forensic guidance.
By the end of October, two men in their thirties had been arrested in connection with the theft, confirmed the French police to Reuters. One was detained at Charles de Gaulle airport trying to leave the country; the other was arrested in Saint-Denis.
Both men, according to law enforcement reports, are known to authorities for previous criminal activities. Law enforcement representatives told local media that they believe these two are part of a larger organized network that may include additional accomplices who are still at large.
The robbers made off with about eight historical crown jewels from the Apollo Gallery, with a total value estimated at around 88 million euros (approximately 100 million US dollars).
One of the stolen items — a crown once worn by Empress Eugénie — was later found outside the museum, broken
Find out what is already known about the suspects, how the robbery occurred, and the latest updates in the investigation below.
The daring robbery took place on October 19, 2025, around 9:30 in the morning, just after the museum opened.
The robbers, disguised as construction workers in high-visibility vests, arrived in a truck with a retractable ladder to reach the second-floor balcony of the Apollo Gallery through the Seine facade. They used power tools — a grinder and other equipment — to cut through a window, broke into two display cases containing the crown jewels of the Napoleonic era, and escaped on motorcycles in what French officials described as a «professional» operation lasting only seven minutes.
Investigators found DNA traces on a helmet and glove left at the crime scene, providing them with strong forensic guidance.
By the end of October, two men in their thirties had been arrested in connection with the theft, confirmed the French police to Reuters. One was detained at Charles de Gaulle airport trying to leave the country; the other was arrested in Saint-Denis.
Both men, according to law enforcement reports, are known to authorities for previous criminal activities. Law enforcement representatives told local media that they believe these two are part of a larger organized network that may include additional accomplices who are still at large.
The robbers made off with about eight historical crown jewels from the Apollo Gallery, with a total value estimated at around 88 million euros (approximately 100 million US dollars).
One of the stolen items — a crown once worn by Empress Eugénie — was later found outside the museum, broken
© Zhinobaeva Margarita
