Louvre Director Faces Scrutiny Over $100M Jewel Theft Security Lapses

The director of the Louvre Museum, Laurence des Cars, has publicly admitted to significant security failures following a high-profile heist in which thieves stole jewels valued at over $100 million. Des Cars revealed that the museum's only exterior camera near the Apollo Gallery balcony where the thieves entered was oriented away from the balcony, leaving the entry point unmonitored by surveillance. Despite all internal alarms functioning during the theft, the outdated and insufficient security infrastructure, including weak video surveillance systems and lack of perimeter protection, were key vulnerabilities exploited by the criminals. The thieves used a truck-mounted lift obtained under false pretenses to access the museum during opening hours, stealing eight pieces including rare jewels linked to French royalty and Napoleonic history. Des Cars expressed deep regret, took responsibility for the failure, and offered her resignation, which was rejected by the culture minister, while investigations and inquiries into the breach continue. French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the theft as an attack on cherished heritage, emphasizing efforts to recover the stolen artifacts.