Paris Jewel Heist: $102M in Napoleonic Treasures Stolen from the Louvre

In a brazen daylight robbery on October 19, thieves struck the Louvre Museum in Paris, escaping with an estimated $102 million in royal jewels once belonging to Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie de Montijo Firstpost The News International.

The heist unfolded just minutes after the museum opened, with visitors already inside. According to French police, the suspects used a basket lift to scale the museum’s facade, forced entry through a window, and smashed display cases in the Apollo Gallery—home to France’s crown jewels CNBC.

Among the stolen items were:

• A pearl and diamond tiara commissioned by Napoleon III for his marriage to Eugénie CBS News | MSN

• A sapphire necklace and earring set worn by Queen Marie-Amélie CBS News | MSN

• A brooch originally part of a belt featuring over 4,000 stones CBS News | MSN

In their haste, the thieves dropped Empress Eugénie’s gold-and-emerald crown near the exit, damaging it in the process ABC News. The crown was recovered but remains under restoration.

Interpol has joined the investigation, and security footage is being analyzed. No suspects have been publicly identified, though officials believe the operation was highly coordinated and may involve international actors.

The Louvre remains closed for forensic review and security upgrades. French Culture Minister Rachida Dati called the theft “an assault on national heritage,” and vowed to pursue justice swiftly.