Louvre Heist Thieves Steal Rs 896 Crore Jewels in Paris

The Louvre Museum in Paris, one of the most famous museums in the world, was hit by a daring daylight heist on Sunday, October 19, 2025. Four thieves, disguised as construction workers, used a mechanical lift to enter the Apollo Gallery through a first-floor window on the museum’s south side, bypassing security cameras.

Inside, they smashed glass display cases with power tools, stealing jewels valued at nearly Rs 896 crore (about $102 million). The stolen items included rare tiaras, necklaces, and earrings that belonged to French royalty such as Queen Marie-Amelie, Queen Hortense, Empress Marie-Louise, and Empress Eugenie. One crown dropped during the escape was later recovered, but in a damaged state. The thieves fled the scene on two scooters, making a swift getaway.

The museum was forced to close briefly but reopened three days later, although the Apollo Room remains sealed as investigations continue. Over 100 investigators are involved in the case, and the stolen jewels have been added to Interpol’s Stolen Works of Art database to aid recovery.

The Louvre has admitted security lapses, noting that some areas were not adequately covered by cameras during the heist. Museum director Laurence des Cars offered her resignation after the incident, but it was declined by the Ministry of Culture.

Authorities have recovered several pieces of evidence including DNA traces on a helmet and glove left by the thieves, as well as tools and a truck used in the heist. This bold robbery has raised concerns about museum security worldwide and triggered an intense manhunt for those responsible.

The heist is regarded as one of the most audacious in recent history, shining a light on the vulnerabilities even the world’s most prestigious cultural institutions face.