French authorities are racing against time to recover the stolen ‘crown jewels’ from the Louvre Museum before they are lost forever, experts caution. A team of 60 investigators is now focusing on the likelihood of an organized crime group being responsible for the bold heist of nine invaluable pieces of jewelry in a swift daylight robbery. The only item retrieved so far is a damaged emerald-set imperial crown dropped by the fleeing masked thieves, believed to be worth millions due to its 1,000 diamonds.
The remaining loot, including items linked to historical figures like Napoleon III and Empress Eugenie, is at risk of being lost if not recovered promptly. In past incidents, the crucial initial 48 hours post-robbery, known as the ‘golden hours,’ have been pivotal in locating stolen high-value items within a limited geographic area. However, after this timeframe, the stolen goods may be dismantled, melted, or transported across borders, complicating recovery efforts significantly.
Art Recovery International’s CEO, Chris Marinello, emphasized that time is of the essence, stating that if the culprits are not apprehended swiftly, the stolen pieces may be irretrievable. Concerns have mounted over the audacity of the thieves in targeting the renowned Louvre Museum, known for housing iconic artworks like the Mona Lisa. The use of a cherry picker to gain entry has raised questions about security lapses and unchecked access to the premises.
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the robbery as an assault on the nation’s cherished heritage and history. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez detailed how the thieves executed the heist using the cherry picker to access the royal collection on display, making off with items from the Crown Diamonds exhibition. While security measures have been bolstered at the Louvre in recent years, plans are underway to further enhance security following this major incident.