Perpetrators with chainsaws

Robbery at the Louvre: Napoleon’s jewels stolen

Investigations are in full swing following the robbery at the Louvre. The perpetrators were after Napoleon's jewels. The loot is of "inestimable value", it was reported on Sunday.(Bild: AFP/DIMITAR DILKOFF)

In a cinematic robbery at the world-famous Louvre Museum in Paris on Sunday, unknown perpetrators stole jewelry of "inestimable value". 

The robbers arrived by scooter, had themselves hoisted up to a room in the museum in a cargo basket and then forced their way into the Louvre with chainsaws, according to police sources and the Ministry of the Interior. There they stole the valuable jewelry from display cases and were then able to flee again on the scooters.

Napoleon's jewelry stolen
As the newspaper "Le Parisien" reported with reference to the investigators, a total of nine pieces were stolen from the jewelry collection of Napoleon and the Empress - including a necklace, a brooch and a tiara. 

Investigations are in full swing following the robbery at the Louvre. The perpetrators were after Napoleon's jewels. The loot is of "inestimable value", it was reported on Sunday.(Bild: AFP/DIMITAR DILKOFF)

According to initial investigation results, the theft occurred on Sunday morning at around 9.30 am. "There was a robbery this morning at the opening of the Louvre Museum," Culture Minister Rachida Dati also announced on the X online service. According to her, no one was injured.

See the post by French Culture Minister Rachida Dati here: 

The attack only lasted seven minutes
According to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, the stolen jewelry is of "inestimable value". In an interview with France Inter/Franceinfo/Le Monde, Nuñez put the number of perpetrators at three to four.

The robbery only lasted seven minutes. The robbers had driven up in a load basket mounted on a truck and then entered the "Apollon" room, where they had concentrated on "two display cases". A scooter was later found, according to police sources.

Photos show police officers next to the freight elevator that the perpetrators apparently used to get into the Louvre.(Bild: AFP/DIMITAR DILKOFF)

The public prosecutor's office in Paris said it had opened an investigation into "organized gang theft" and "formation of a criminal organization".

Museum remains closed for the time being
According to the museum, however, the Louvre will remain closed for the day "for exceptional reasons". "The investigation is ongoing", Dati continued.

The Louvre is one of the most famous attractions in the French capital.