French Police Hunt Organized Group Behind Daylight Louvre Royal Jewel Heist

French authorities are intensifying their search for thieves who executed a daylight robbery at the Louvre museum, stealing nine priceless royal jewels, including a crown adorned with over 1,300 diamonds, which was dropped during their escape. The heist, lasting just seven minutes, involved four robbers who used a truck with an extendable ladder to breach the Apollo Gallery, and fled on scooters, prompting a large-scale investigation with 60 detectives reviewing extensive video footage from the museum and surrounding areas. The incident has sparked criticism over the Louvre's security, with Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin acknowledging flaws and Interior Minister Laurent Nunez ordering enhanced protection for cultural sites. A report by France's Court of Auditors highlights longstanding delays in security upgrades at the Louvre, noting that only a quarter of one wing is covered by surveillance cameras. The museum has remained closed following the theft, disappointing tourists and raising concerns about the safeguarding of France's cultural heritage. Experts, including former FBI Art Crime team head Timothy Carpenter, have been consulted to assess the investigation and the prospects of recovering the stolen jewels.