Overview:
On October 19, four suspects entered the Louvre Museum in Paris and escaped with an estimated $102 million (€88 million) in royal artifacts. The heist unfolded in under seven minutes and triggered a partial citywide lockdown. As investigators continue to pursue leads, major questions remain: Who is responsible, how did they breach one of the world’s most famous museums, and where are the stolen Crown Jewels now? Presence News examines what is known — and what remains in the shadows.
PARIS, FRANCE — A Theft Out of Time
In a scene reminiscent of a mid-century detective thriller, four thieves struck the Louvre’s famed Apollo Gallery and made off with a collection of priceless French Crown Jewels. The stolen artifacts, many dating back to Napoleon Bonaparte and his successors, vanished in minutes. The heist happened on October 19, 2025, at about 9:30 a.m. local time at the Louvre Museum in Paris.
The theft raised immediate concerns about the museum’s security system — and deeper questions about the origins and histories of the jewels themselves.
Laurence des Cars, director of the Louvre, reassured the public shortly after the heist:
“All of the most important pieces, the diamonds and emeralds, are actually still there.”
However, she confirmed that a few small diamonds and one of eight golden eagles from a royal crown remain missing. Investigators say they are cautiously optimistic about recovering at least some of the items.
Inside the Apollo Gallery
“Hall of Light”
(Reference: https://x.com/bbcworldservice/status/1980207578299896177)
The Apollo Gallery — a gilded corridor of paintings, sculpture, and royal treasures — houses some of the most significant French Crown Jewels. According to museum officials, the following items were stolen:
Stolen Artifacts
- Historic Sapphire Diadem
Worn by queens Hortense de Beauharnais and Marie-Amélie; composed of 24 Ceylon sapphires and 1,083 diamonds. Some experts have speculated a link to Marie Antoinette. - Emerald Necklace & Earrings (Napoleon to Marie-Louise)
Gifted to Napoleon’s second wife on their wedding day. The set originally contained 32 emeralds and over 1,100 diamonds. Though the emeralds were replaced in the 1950s, the originals were later reacquired by the Louvre in 2004. - Empress Eugénie’s Mazarin Diamond Brooch
A religious reliquary featuring 17th- and 18th-century Mazarin diamonds once belonging to Louis XIV. - Silver-Gold Belt Buckle Brooch (Empress Eugénie)
Originally a belt buckle with 4,000 stones, displayed at the Universal Exhibition of 1855.
For additional video reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frWRIfj6b5Q
Fallen Crowns
In an unexpected twist, another crown belonging to Empress Eugénie was stolen but later dropped and damaged during the escape.
President Emmanuel Macron commented:
“The theft from the Louvre is an attack on a cultural asset that we value because it is part of our history.”
He vowed that authorities will recover the artifacts and bring all responsible individuals to justice.
Shaded Glory: Security, Criticism & Colonial History
The theft has reignited criticism of the museum’s security — and of the colonial histories tied to many European royal treasures.
Criminologist Emiline C.H. Smith noted:
“There is obviously no excuse for theft. But many of these objects are entangled with violent, exploitative, colonial histories.”
The Associated Press also reported that the Louvre provided only “scant” public information regarding the jewels’ origins.
Former robber-turned-comedian David Desclos added that the gallery’s windows were alarmingly easy to access.
“Have you seen those windows? They’re a piece of cake.”
Desclos claims he previously warned the Louvre of potential vulnerabilities.
Fading Light: Louvre Troubles in 2025
Presence News reviewed museum reports, press statements, and public records to pinpoint contributing factors leading up to the heist:
- June 16th Staff Strike
A sudden staff walkout closed the museum for hours amid complaints about overcrowding, infrastructure issues, and worker shortages. - National Riots & Unrest
Protests and budget strains following the 2024 election have destabilized Paris. (Warning: graphic footage)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wK7vC5YTPqQ - Tourism vs. Economic Hardship
Despite rising visitor numbers, economic pressures continue to weigh on the city and its institutions.
Old Glamour, New Methods: The Investigation
According to the BBC, four additional suspects have now been arrested: two men and two women, all between ages 31 and 40, all from the Paris region. Two of them are reportedly in a relationship. Officials state the suspects are not connected to organized crime.
The operation showed surprising efficiency:
- Entry via a mechanical lift
- Break-in through an Apollo Gallery window
- Use of two scooters as getaway vehicles
- Total time inside the museum: under nine minutes
- No injuries reported
Hearings in the French Senate continue as new evidence emerges.
Photo reference: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPywbYBAnsX/?img_index=1
The Fedora Mystery
The day after the heist, a photograph went viral showing a young man in a brown fedora standing outside the Louvre. Speculation swirled: investigator? suspect? tourist?
The truth was far more mundane. The individual — 15-year-old Pedro Elias Garzon Delvaux — later told the Associated Press he is simply a “detective enthusiast” visiting Paris with his family. They had no idea a major crime had occurred before their arrival.
An Unfinished Mystery
Art experts fear the stolen jewels may soon be broken apart and sold on the black market, making recovery harder by the day.
For now, the case remains open — and the mystery endures.
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