Louvre break-in: two arrested – where are the 88 million euros?

Louvre break-in: two arrested – where are the 88 million euros?

A spectacular break-in in the world-famous Louvre in Paris, which occurred on October 19, 2025, has once again brought the security situation in one of the world's most important museums into focus. Two men, aged 34 and 39, previously convicted of thefts, were arrested on October 25 after partially confessing. According to prosecutor Laure Beccuau, the two are in custody.

The loot from the burglary is estimated at a whopping 88 million euros, but there is still no trace of these valuable pieces of jewelry. The stolen items include a tiara belonging to Empress Eugénie, set with almost 2,000 diamonds, and a necklace with 32 emeralds and 1,138 diamonds that belonged to Marie-Louise. Beccuau expresses the hope that the looted jewels will be returned, which are unlikely to be sold due to their unique nature.

Security deficiencies and criticism

The break-in, which lasted just a few minutes, shows that security measures at the Louvre urgently need to be overhauled. During the crime, the perpetrators used a truck with a lifting platform to get into the museum via a balcony while their accomplices waited on scooters. After the robbery, several items remained at the crime scene, including gloves, tools and a radio, indicating a professionally planned crime.

Investigators believe that a total of four men were involved in the break-in. Even though two are now in custody, there could be more behind the scenes. Experts highlight security deficiencies in the Louvre. The showcases in which the crown treasures were displayed were not equipped with alarm systems. In addition, there is a lack of sufficient staff to ensure security precautions, which has already been criticized in previous reports.

Comparison with international safety standards

Compared to other European countries, such as Denmark and Britain, where the crown treasures are stored in automatically locking safes, the Louvre's security strategy seems outdated. The Paris Police Prefecture is also just a mile away, but the lack of effective security measures has proven to be a fatal omission.

The situation is not new: In recent years, the museum landscape has been repeatedly rocked by spectacular art thefts, as most recently in Dresden, Berlin and Manching. The security systems often seem to overcome financial hurdles caused by their costs. French President Emmanuel Macron has already approved funds for the modernization of the Louvre, but the measures are still pending.

The current incidents are shining a bright light on security within museums, and the question of the availability and training of security personnel has become urgent. The unions have already pointed out the precarious conditions in the Louvre; a circumstance that concerns both employees and art lovers. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen what consequences this break-in will have on security standards in museums.