Louvre Heist: Inside Job Suspected

French authorities believe the recent audacious robbery at the Louvre may have involved inside knowledge. An employee allegedly tipped off chainsaw-wielding thieves, leading to the theft of $100 million worth of invaluable French artifacts.

Digital forensic evidence indicates that a security guard communicated with the suspected criminals before the brazen heist that took place on October 19, according to reports. An official mentioned to The Telegraph that there’s clear evidence of collaboration between the guard and the thieves.

Specific confidential information regarding the museum’s security measures seemed to have been shared, which, in turn, facilitated the breach, officials noted.

The thieves managed to access and exit the museum in just a few minutes via a second-floor balcony that was devoid of surveillance cameras. They made their getaway on a scooter, reportedly loaded with eight stolen treasures.

As investigations progress, authorities aren’t very hopeful about reclaiming the stolen jewelry, as it’s likely been dismantled for resale. Officials from Paris suggested that a wealthy collector might have orchestrated the entire scheme.

“We are exploring the possibility of organized crime here,” Laure Becuaux told BFM TV. She raised concerns that the culprits could be professionals hired by collectors keen on acquiring these treasures.

Shortly after the Louvre theft, an additional heist occurred, resulting in the theft of 2,000 gold and silver coins valued at over $100,000 from the museum’s permeable security.

Laurence de Cal, the Louvre’s director, was called before the French Senate to discuss the situation and faced calls for his resignation.

In light of the shocking robbery, the most precious national jewels stored at the Louvre have been moved to the Banque de France for safekeeping.

The stolen items included a sapphire crown, a necklace, and a pair of earrings linked to 19th-century queens Marie Amélie and Hortense.

The robbers also took an emerald necklace with earrings associated with Empress Marie Louise, who was Napoleon Bonaparte’s second wife. Additionally, Empress Eugenie’s diamond crown and corsage ribbon brooch were among the items lost.

Notably, the Emperor’s Crown, which features Egnier emeralds and over 1,300 diamonds, was later discovered outside the museum in a damaged yet salvageable condition.