Full Story The heist of the decade
Oct 25, 2025
Anjali Chrysifus, Guardian Paris correspondent, brings firsthand insights into the audacious Louvre heist while Arthur Brand, a renowned art detective, analyzes the thieves' tactics and motivations. They delve into the rapid execution of the break-in and the cultural uproar it ignited in France. Arthur explains the challenges of recovering stolen art and the likelihood of the crown jewels being melted down or sold. The conversation touches on the allure of high-profile targets like the Louvre and the impact of organized crime on museum security.
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Brazen Ten-Minute Louvre Break-In
- Four men drove a truck to the Louvre, used a furniture hoist, climbed to a balcony and cut through reinforced glass to enter the Apollo Gallery.
- They grabbed jewels with an angle grinder and escaped on motorbikes in about four minutes, dropping Empress Eugénie's crown in the haste.
Recoveries From A Stolen-Art Detective
- Arthur Brand recounted recovering high-profile items including a Van Gogh, a Picasso and Oscar Wilde's ring during his career.
- He framed each recovery as a deep dive into the object's history and cultural story.
Scouting And Disguise Are Key Tactics
- Professional thieves scout targets over time and exploit local conditions like ongoing construction to disguise their approach.
- The Louvre attackers likely posed as construction workers to blend with the environment and reduce suspicion.
