Louvre Museum heist: 'We have failed,' says minister, as France launches search for jewel thieves

A high-profile jewellery heist at the world-renowned Louvre Museum on Sunday has elicited a stark admission of failure from Justice Minister Gerard Darmanin. He stated that the incident has severely damaged the country’s international image.

In an interview with French radio station France Inter on Monday, Minister Darmanin addressed the brazen theft, which saw thieves make off with valuable pieces from the museum’s collection.

“What is certain is that we failed,” Darmanin said, stressing the gravity of the security breach at one of France’s most treasured institutions. He noted that the country possesses “many museums… with priceless values,” making the lapse in security particularly alarming.

The Minister did not mince words regarding the consequence of the crime, asserting that the heist “gave a very negative image of France as it implied a failure of security services.”

Despite the setback, Darmanin offered an assurance to the public, vowing that law enforcement is working diligently on the case. “The police will eventually arrest the authors,” he stated.

The theft, which targeted jewels , has reignited debates over the security protocols at major Parisian cultural sites, which draw millions of visitors annually. Authorities have launched a massive manhunt for the perpetrators following the incident.

How the robbery took place

In a quick, seven-minute daylight operation, four thieves executed the jewellery heist using mechanical lift and cutting tools to break into the Gallery of Apollo. They stole eight historic French crown jewels, including royal tiaras and necklaces.

This theft is considered the worst at the museum since the Mona Lisa was stolen in 1911, and experts worry the priceless items will be immediately destroyed to sell off the raw gold and gemstones for cash.