Just days after a stunning heist at the Louvre Museum, speculation is growing around where the lavish, stolen jewels that once adorned France’s royals might end up. Some warn the artifacts, valued at over $100 million, could be melted or broken into parts — and later sold as pieces of new jewelry. Still, such pieces are often sold for a fraction of the value of what was fully stolen. And it isn't a simple process. Others believe the characteristics of the historical jewels might make them difficult to sell. Museums have increasingly faced a rash of similar thefts over the years.
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The Louvre's director has acknowledged a ″terrible failure″ at the Paris tourist attraction after a daylight crown jewel heist over the weekend. She said Wednesday that she offered to resign but it was refused. Louvre director Laurence des Cars said in testimony to the French Senate that the world's most-visited museum had a shortage of security cameras outside the monument and other ″weaknesses″ exposed by Sunday’s heist. The theft was valued at more than $100 million. The culprits are still at large.
Experts say France's royal jewels may be gone forever after a daring heist at the Louvre. On Sunday, thieves stole eight pieces, including crowns and necklaces, in just four minutes. These jewels, dating back to the 16th century, were significant symbols of France's wealth and power. Experts believe the gems are likely being dismantled and sold off. The theft has left the French government scrambling to address security concerns at the museum. The heist is being called "the heist of the decade" and has sparked a race against time for authorities to recover the treasures.
The Louvre reopens three days after thieves took French crown jewels in a daylight heist at the Paris museum.
The Paris prosecutor says that crown jewels stolen in a Louvre heist were worth an estimated 88 million euros ($102 million), but that the monetary estimate doesn’t include their historical value to France. Prosecutor Laure Beccuau, whose office is leading the investigation, said about 100 investigators are now involved in the police hunt for the suspects and gems after Sunday’s theft. She said in an interview with broadcaster RTL that the “wrongdoers who took these gems won’t earn 88 million euros if they had the very bad idea of disassembling these jewels." She says authorities hope the culprits "won’t destroy these jewels without rhyme or reason.″
Paris prosecutor says jewels stolen in Louvre heist worth an estimated 88 million euros ($102 million).
AP Wire
Freed from the prison where he had been serving time for ripping off his campaign donors, former U.S. Rep. George Santos says he’s humbled by his experience behind bars. But he says he's also unconcerned about the “pearl clutching” of critics upset that President Donald Trump granted him clemency. Speaking on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Santos said Sunday that if Trump “had pardoned Jesus Christ off the cross, he would have had critics.” Santos won office after inventing a bogus persona as a Wall Street dealmaker. He was serving a 7-year prison sentence for fraud and identity theft when Trump ordered him released him Friday.
AP Wire
The Louvre remained closed Monday after historic jewels were stolen in a daring daylight heist. Thieves used a basket lift to access the museum, smashed display cases, and fled with Napoleonic jewels. The theft occurred Sunday, just 30 minutes after the museum opened. French Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin acknowledged security failures. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez ordered a reassessment of security measures at cultural sites. Investigators are working on evidence, including motorcycles found at the scene. Culture Minister Rachida Dati said the heist lasted less than eight minutes and was highly efficient.
Jewels stolen from Paris’ Louvre Museum in a daring heist include a crown worn by Empress Eugenie, a brooch of Empress Eugenie, and a crown worn by Queen Marie-Amelie. Other items include a sapphire necklace and earrings worn by Queen Marie-Amelie and Queen Hortense, and an emerald necklace and earrings of Empress Marie-Louise. The French Culture Ministry has released this list as investigators hunt for the perpetrators. The museum is closed for a second day Monday.
AP Wire
Thieves have pulled off a daring heist at the Louvre, stealing priceless Napoleonic jewels. On Sunday, they used a basket lift to access the museum, smashed display cases, and fled with the treasures. The theft happened in the Galerie d’Apollon, where the French Crown Jewels are displayed. Officials say the operation took only four minutes and was carried out by professionals. The Louvre has faced criticism for understaffing and security issues. The museum closed for the rest of Sunday as investigators began their search for clues. The heist has sparked political debate in France.