Experts Warn Stolen Louvre Crown Jewels Likely Lost Forever After Major Heist

The recent audacious theft of the French crown jewels from the Louvre has sparked a major police manhunt in France, but experts warn that recovering the priceless artifacts is unlikely as they may be dismantled, melted down, or sold off quickly. The robbery is seen as a national humiliation and has prompted urgent security reviews across France's museums, which have experienced multiple thefts recently. Specialists highlight that while art like paintings must be sold through illicit art markets, stolen jewels and gold can be broken down into components, making recovery difficult. Authorities and experts emphasize that only a small, known group of criminals could execute such a heist, but the jewels themselves might never be seen intact again. The Louvre had previously raised concerns about inadequate security funding, and the incident exposed serious vulnerabilities, such as unsecured windows and public access to lifts. Law enforcement officials remain confident that the culprits will be caught, but warn that the cultural treasures may be lost forever unless new strategies are developed to dismantle criminal gangs involved in such crimes.