$100 Million in Royal Jewels Vanish in Seven Minutes

In a scene that could rival any Hollywood thriller, thieves made off with over $100 million worth of royal jewels from the world-famous Louvre Museum during a daring daylight robbery that lasted no more than seven minutes.

French authorities have described the theft as both “extraordinary” and “devastating,” not just for the staggering financial loss, but for the deep wound it leaves on the nation’s cultural and historical heritage.

“The Louvre curator estimated the damages to be 88 million euros, or around $102 million,” said Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau. “But the true loss is immeasurable — these jewels are part of France’s soul.”

Investigators say four masked individuals carried out the meticulously planned heist on Sunday, scaling the museum’s exterior using a ladder mounted on a truck. The group reportedly smashed display cases, snatched a collection of priceless royal diamonds and crowns, and fled on scooters — leaving behind a diamond-studded crown that fell during the frantic escape.

Authorities believe the operation was the work of an organized crime network, and dozens of investigators are now combing through CCTV footage from the museum and nearby highways to trace their route. Fingerprints found at the scene are currently under analysis.

Prosecutor Beccuau warned that the thieves may never fully profit from their crime, noting that melting the jewels would destroy their historical value — a “very bad idea,” she said pointedly.

The Louvre incident marks yet another alarming breach in France’s museum security this year. Just last month, a Chinese woman was charged in connection with the theft of over $1 million worth of gold nuggets from another Paris museum.

With the art world reeling, French officials are now facing mounting pressure to tighten security across the country’s treasured cultural institutions.

As the investigation continues, the world watches — captivated, stunned, and wondering how, in the heart of Paris, one of the world’s most secure museums could be robbed in broad daylight.