The Louvre quietly transferred several priceless jewels to the Bank of France’s underground vaults after last week’s daring theft. French radio network RTL reported that police escorted the transfer on Friday as a security precaution.
The operation involved items from the museum’s famous Apollo Gallery, including pieces known as the “Crown Jewels,” and other gems from different sections of the museum. The bank’s vault, located 27 meters below its Paris headquarters, already stores 90% of France’s gold reserves.
Officials made the move amid growing security concerns following the shocking theft that stunned the country.
Thieves Stage Rapid Daylight Robbery at the Louvre
Several thieves carried out the heist in broad daylight last week, using a basket lift to reach a balcony leading to the Apollo Gallery. They broke a window, smashed glass display cases, and stole eight jewels before escaping on two motorbikes.
The entire operation lasted only six to seven minutes. A Paris prosecutor estimated the stolen jewels’ value at 88 million euros, excluding their immense historical significance.
Authorities said the criminals executed the theft with precision and likely planned it for weeks. Police continue to search for the suspects and recover the missing artifacts.
Outrage and Security Questions Grip France
The robbery provoked nationwide outrage and embarrassment, with lawmakers calling it a “national humiliation.” Many questioned how such a high-profile museum could suffer such a breach despite previous warnings about inadequate funding for security.
Louvre officials had reportedly urged the government to invest more in protective systems before the theft occurred. The incident has intensified scrutiny of museum safety measures across Europe.
France has experienced a surge in similar crimes, with at least four museum robberies recorded in recent months. The Louvre’s response marks a new phase in protecting cultural treasures as investigators work to restore public trust and recover France’s stolen heritage.
