Spectacular theft at the Louvre Museum: 3 minutes to reveal serious security failures

The authors entered through a cut window, wearing reflective vests and masks, and used cutting tools to open “blind” The museum guards sounded the alarm, but they could not intervene because they are not armed.

In a few minutes, jewelry worth about 88m euros, including diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, and pearls, were obtained. During the escape, one of the most important objects of the Empress Eugénia's crown fell and was left behind.

The investigation soon led to the arrest of four people, some of whom with criminal precedents for theft. Authorities suspect the group had prepared the plan by exploiting a weak spot known for years in the museum's security system.

A 2019 report had specifically warned the danger in the entry area, but the recommendations had not been fully implemented.

The event has sparked major debate in France on the safety of the world's most famous museum and the neglect of repeated warnings.

Stolen jewelry has yet to be found as investigations continue.