Two men suspected of stealing €88m (£75m) in crown jewels from the Louvre museum in Paris last October allegedly told investigators that the heist’s mastermind was disappointed by the haul. According to transcripts published by Le Monde, the suspects claimed the client believed they “could have taken more” from the Apollo gallery.
Did you know? The burglary was so severe that it led to the resignation of the Louvre museum’s director.
The Inside Account of the Apollo Gallery Heist
The suspects, identified locally as Abdoulaye N and Ghelamallah A, told investigating judges they broke into the museum on the orders of an unnamed client. They seized eight pieces of jewelry, including necklaces, earrings, a brooch, and tiaras.
The operation didn’t go perfectly. Abdoulaye N admitted to judges that he dropped a gem-encrusted crown once worn by Empress Eugénie, the wife of Napoleon III. When shown a photograph of the badly damaged crown, Abdoulaye N stated, “What we did wasn’t right, it’s very serious.”
According to the Le Monde report, the thieves were hired only two or three days before the crime. They were provided with a video filmed inside the gallery showing the specific cases containing the Napoleonic jewelry to help them prepare.
Payment and Motivations for the Burglars
Financial desperation drove the pair. Abdoulaye N, described as a former minor social media star with a passion for motorbikes, told investigators he was “in dire straits” financially. He was promised between €15,000 and €20,000 for the job, with the possibility of more depending on the final value of the loot.
Ghelamallah A claimed he was misled about the target. He told investigators the job was presented as a “jewellery store where they make jewellery in Paris.” He stated he would never have entered the Louvre if he had known the true target. He had agreed on a fee between €20,000 and €25,000.
Security Insight: The suspects used a furniture lift to access a first-floor balcony before smashing through the windows of the Apollo Gallery.
The Three-Minute Window: How the Theft Happened
The suspects described a high-pressure environment where they raced against a strict clock. Abdoulaye N told investigators that they had a clear mission: break windows and retrieve jewelry from the display cases.
“When we got in, there was no one there, it was dark, only the lights in the display cases were on,” Abdoulaye N said. He noted that he could see security moving in the distance behind a door.
The pair operated under a strict time limit. Abdoulaye N stated that if they took more than three minutes, they risked being reported. He told investigators, “For me, what we did was taking too long.”
Fear of Reprisals and the Missing Mastermind
Despite their admissions, both men refused to identify the client or any accomplices. They cited fear for their families’ safety. Ghelamallah A described the associates as people who are “no choirboys.”
Abdoulaye N told investigators he received phone calls from outside while in detention, instructing him to keep quiet. He claimed the mastermind’s motivation was purely financial, with the intent to resell the stolen items.
While the suspects provided these details, Le Monde noted that investigators have not yet confirmed that the burglars were acting on behalf of a third party.
Quick Facts: Louvre Jewelry Heist
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Estimated Value | €88m (£75m) |
| Items Stolen | 8 pieces (Tiaras, necklaces, etc.) |
| Suspects | Abdoulaye N and Ghelamallah A |
| Key Loss | Empress Eugénie’s crown (damaged/dropped) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much was stolen from the Louvre?
The estimated value of the stolen crown jewels is €88 million (approximately £75 million).
Who were the suspects in the heist?
The suspects are identified as Abdoulaye N and Ghelamallah A.
Was any jewelry recovered?
A gem-encrusted crown worn by Empress Eugénie was dropped by the thieves during their escape and recovered in a badly damaged state.
Why did the suspects refuse to name the mastermind?
Both men claimed they feared reprisals against their families if they revealed the identity of the client.
Want to stay updated on global art heists and investigations?
Subscribe to our newsletter or leave a comment below with your thoughts on the security failures at the Louvre.
Worth a look
