Louvre Heist: Jewellery Stolen Worth €88 Million

Wed Oct 22 2025 18:45:13 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a shocking daylight robbery, thieves have stolen jewellery valued at €88 million from the Louvre, sparking a massive manhunt and raising concerns over security at the world-famous museum.

Thieves took less than eight minutes to steal jewellery worth €88 million from the Louvre, including prized historical pieces linked to Napoleonic history. With security measures under scrutiny, the heist has raised alarms regarding the safety of cultural heritage. Experts warn that recovering the stolen items may be increasingly tough as time passes.

Jewellery stolen from the Louvre in Paris in a daring daylight robbery has been valued at 88 million euros (£76m; $102m), a French public prosecutor has said, citing the museum's curator.

Laure Beccuau told RTL radio the sum was extraordinary but said the greater loss was to France's historical heritage. Crown jewels and pieces gifted by two Napoleons to their wives were among the items taken.

Thieves wielding power tools took less than eight minutes to make off with the loot shortly after the world's most-visited museum opened on Sunday morning.

With the thieves having not been caught more than two days on from the heist, experts fear the jewellery will already be long gone.

Ms Beccuau said she hoped announcing the estimated worth of the jewellery would make the robbers think twice and not destroy them. The items taken include a diamond and emerald necklace gifted by Emperor Napoleon to his wife, a tiara worn by Empress Eugenie, and several pieces previously owned by Queen Marie-Amelie.

French President Emmanuel Macron described the robbery as an attack on France's heritage. Security measures have been tightened around the country's cultural institutions as authorities pursue the professional thieves responsible.