New Surveillance Video Reveals Dramatic Louvre Jewel Heist in Paris
French authorities have released new surveillance footage shedding light on a daring jewel heist at the Louvre Museum, offering the clearest picture yet of how thieves executed one of Paris’s most high-profile security breaches in recent years.
The video, made public late Monday, captures a group of masked suspects moving swiftly through a restricted exhibition area during early morning hours, avoiding motion sensors and disabling alarm systems with apparent precision. Investigators say the footage confirms that the operation was carefully planned and carried out in less than ten minutes.
According to officials close to the investigation, the thieves targeted a secured display housing historic jewels on loan for a temporary exhibition. While the exact value of the stolen items has not been officially disclosed, experts estimate the loss could run into tens of millions of euros, given the rarity and provenance of the pieces.
“The level of coordination visible in the footage suggests experienced professionals,” said a senior Paris police official. “This was not a spontaneous act. Every movement appears rehearsed.”
The suspects are seen entering through a service corridor before blending into staff-only areas, raising questions about possible insider knowledge. Authorities have not confirmed whether museum employees are under investigation, but sources say internal access protocols are being reviewed.
The Louvre, the world’s most visited museum, was briefly closed following the incident as forensic teams examined the scene. Museum officials emphasized that no visitors or staff were harmed and that the theft did not involve the museum’s permanent collection, including iconic works such as the Mona Lisa.
France’s Culture Ministry has called for a comprehensive security audit of national museums, amid growing concern over organized art and jewel theft across Europe. Recent years have seen a rise in high-value cultural crimes, often linked to international trafficking networks.
Interpol has been notified, and images from the surveillance footage have been shared with law enforcement agencies worldwide. Police say arrests are possible as early as the coming days.
As the investigation continues, the newly released video has reignited debate over museum security in an era of increasingly sophisticated criminal operations—highlighting how even the most guarded cultural institutions remain vulnerable.
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