$102 Million Louvre Heist Sparks Viral Frenzy Over Mysterious Fedora-Clad Figure

A daring heist at the Louvre museum in Paris resulted in the theft of eight items from France's historic crown jewels collection, sparking global intrigue not only about the crime but also about a sharply dressed man spotted at the scene. Photographed by Associated Press photographer Thibault Camus, this man, wearing a fedora, trench coat, and tailored suit, captivated internet users who speculated he was a detective investigating the case, inspiring memes and calls for books or shows about him. The man was confirmed as a real French police detective, whose classic noir appearance has drawn widespread admiration and fascination online. Meanwhile, the museum director admitted surveillance failures and noted that some damaged stolen jewels could be restored. Despite the drama, conspiracy theories emerged claiming the heist might have been faked, with suggestions it could be a stunt for an upcoming film. The case remains a high-profile investigation, blending real crime with cultural and internet phenomena.