In Paris, a city known for having some of the most famous art, has recently been the location of what is being called one of the most infamous crimes of the decade. A group of thieves pulled off a heist at the world-famous Louvre Museum in Paris on October 19, 2025. Many have seen the many TikTok videos of the disguised construction workers making their getaway down a ladder. The thieves entered the museum through a balcony on the first floor, then proceeded to a gallery called d’Apollon, and went off with many famous  pieces of jewelry, including a necklace from Queen Maria Amelia.

They used high-tech tools and moved with precision, being the only possible way of not getting caught. According to investigators, the crime took place for less than eight minutes. Security footage shows the group smashing glass display cases, grabbing the eight historic and priceless pieces. Then, they escaped before the police could even respond.

French officials estimate the jewels stolen are worth nearly €88 million, which is about $94 million USD. But many say the cultural loss is even greater; these items were part of France’s national heritage, being passed down from generation to generation.

Following the theft, the Louvre temporarily closed while police and museum staff reviewed how they got away with the theft. Reports suggest that certain alarms and security cameras weren’t fully working at the time of the robbery. This exposure has triggered major debate across France about the protection of priceless items and museum security. 

Authorities have launched a huge investigation to recover the jewels and identify the thieves. The museum has since strengthened its security systems and reopened the museum to the public, but the affected gallery remains under extra surveillance.