Details continue to emerge about the cinematic heist that took place at the world-renowned Louvre Museum in France. Nine royal jewels were stolen during the robbery staged on October 19th. Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau stated that the museum curator has valued the stolen historical artifacts at 88 million euros. However, Arthur Brand, an investigator of art crimes, expressed that the stolen items could not be sold in their current condition.
The Louvre Museum, which displays approximately 35,000 works and welcomes thousands of visitors every day, was targeted by thieves on a Sunday morning. The criminals managed to steal a total of nine pieces from the Apollo Gallery, where royal jewels were on display. During their escape, they dropped a crown belonging to Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III, which was later found damaged outside the museum.
The heist, which lasted only seven minutes, resulted in the following items being stolen:
A crown and brooch belonging to Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III
An emerald necklace and a pair of earrings belonging to Empress Marie Louise
A sapphire set consisting of a crown, necklace, and a single earring belonging to Queen Marie Amelie and Queen Hortense
A brooch named Röliker
Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau, during her appearance on the RTL channel, shared her insights regarding the heist in which 4 thieves managed to steal 8 historical artifacts.
Prosecutor Beccuau pointed out that the museum curator estimated the value of the stolen pieces at 88 million euros. She acknowledged that this figure is quite high, but emphasized that the financial loss pales in comparison to the historical value of the artifacts.
According to a report on BBC Turkish, it would be extremely difficult for thieves to sell the stolen artifacts as they are. Dutch art crime investigator Arthur Brand stated, 'In other words, they would have to break them down, melt the gold and silver, and take the diamonds. If you sell the diamonds separately, no one would know they were from this heist. If you melt the gold, no one could tell that the gold in these new rings, these wedding rings, came from Napoleon's jewels. They will likely do it this way.'