Organised Gang Steals Priceless Napoleonic Jewels from Paris Louvre

A brazen daylight robbery occurred at the Louvre Museum in Paris, where three to four thieves used a furniture hoist and power tools, including chainsaws and angle grinders, to break into the Apollo Gallery and steal priceless jewels from Napoleon and Empress Eugénie's collection. The heist lasted approximately seven minutes between 9:30 and 9:40 a.m., with the thieves arriving on scooters and escaping rapidly, leaving behind one damaged item, Empress Eugénie's crown. French authorities have launched an intensive investigation led by specialized units focusing on organized theft and cultural artifact trafficking. The incident prompted the Louvre to close for the day, causing disruption for visitors and reigniting debates about the museum's security amid ongoing restoration efforts. French President Emmanuel Macron had previously pledged renovations to improve protection of the museum's treasures. The stolen items are of inestimable value, though key pieces like the Régent diamond were reportedly not taken.