Eight royal jewels worth 800 crore rupees (approximately $102 million) were stolen from the Louvre Museum in Paris in just four minutes. The theft occurred in a cinematic style. Questions have been raised about the security arrangements, and an investigation is underway.
World News: A brazen daylight robbery at the world-renowned Louvre Museum in Paris has shaken France. Thieves stole royal jewels worth 102 million dollars, or approximately 800 crore rupees, in just four minutes. These jewels symbolize France's glorious history and cultural heritage. This sensational theft has raised serious questions about the Louvre Museum's security system, especially since previous thefts have occurred at the museum.
Theft in Cinematic Style
The theft occurred on Sunday morning at 9:34 AM. Two individuals, wearing yellow jackets, entered the Louvre's Apollo Gallery, stole the valuable jewels in four minutes, and fled on motorbikes. Paris prosecutor Laure Beccu stated that four thieves operated in two pairs. Two individuals accessed the gallery using a cherry picker truck, while the other two escaped on motorbikes. This style of theft resembled the French TV series "Lupin," known for its charismatic and swift portrayal of thieves.
Characteristics of the Stolen Jewels
A total of eight priceless royal jewels went missing in the theft. These include an emerald and diamond necklace, two crowns, two brooches, a sapphire necklace, and an earring. These jewels were the pride of the 19th-century royal family. In 1887, when the government auctioned off the royal gems, these particular pieces were specially safeguarded because they are part of France's cultural heritage.
The stolen jewels include a crown given by Napoleon III to Empress Eugénie, adorned with 2,000 diamonds and 200 pearls; an emerald and 1,000-diamond necklace given by Napoleon Bonaparte to Marie-Louise; and Queen Marie-Amélie's sapphire and diamond headpiece. During the theft, one crown, featuring 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds, was damaged.
According to experts, the stolen jewels are not only economically invaluable but also an integral part of France's cultural heritage. These gems, set with sapphires, emeralds, and diamonds, could be sold off in pieces. Tobias Kormind, a diamond expert, states that if the jewels are broken up, they could be lost to history forever. Dutch art expert Arthur Brand commented that these jewels are so famous that selling them would not be easy, as no buyer would take the risk.
