On October 19th in the Louvre Museum a group of thieves managed to steal eight pieces of royal jewelry. They are valued to be worth $102 million, the jewels consisting of tiaras, necklaces, and earrings belonging to empresses Eugenie, Marie-Louise, Hortense, and Queen Marie-Amelie.
The heist happened only 30 minutes after its opening, it took them only 7-8 minutes to go in and out. They dressed as construction workers in yellow and orange vests. They entered through the south side of the building to reach the first storey balcony using a furniture lift. Which are common in pairs so there was no suspension. They used a disc cutter to enter through the window which triggered the security alarm, once in they threatened the guard with the power tools giving them a chance to take the jewels. Once they have taken the jewel they flee and leave on motor bikes with their two getaway drivers. During their flea they managed to drop the crown of Empress Eugénie leaving it damaged, but back in the hands of the museum.
The museum closed their doors to the public the next day and reopened Oct 22nd with the Galerie d’Apollon still closed. On Oct 25 they arrested 2 suspects that were already known to police from past burglars. After matching DNA both suspects were arrested and charged with organised gang theft and criminal conspiracy. 4 days later 5 more suspects were arrested, 2 were charged before a magistrate, both denied any involvement. Later 3 were released and 1 is still at large.
The location of the jewels is still unknown. After all the publication on social media many have found it funny and others very interesting. It definitely became the talk of the world, some going as far as to dress up as them for Halloween. Where do you think the jewels could be, are they gone forever or hidden?
