French authorities have launched a large-scale investigation following a daring jewelry heist at the Louvre Museum, where four masked men stole eight priceless pieces from the Apollo Gallery, home to part of France’s crown jewels.

Paris's chief prosecutor Laure Beccuau described the perpetrators as a “strike team” who executed a well-coordinated attack on Sunday. The group reportedly threatened museum guards with angle grinders, which they used to cut through the glass displays containing the jewels.

To carry out the operation, the gang arrived in a truck towing an extendable power ladder, typically used to move furniture into upper-story apartments. They positioned it alongside the museum to access the gallery through a broken window.

After seizing the jewelry , the thieves escaped using high-powered scooters, evading museum security.

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According to Beccuau, the Louvre’s alarm system was operational at the time of the robbery. However, she noted that authorities are investigating whether the guards heard the alarm and if it was activated in the specific gallery during the incident.

The theft has prompted questions about the museum's internal response protocols and possible security lapses.

Authorities suspect organized crime involvement

Beccuau said the working theory is that the robbery was commissioned by an organized criminal network. “Organised criminal gangs can have two aims: either to fulfil an order placed with them, or to acquire gems for money-laundering ends,” she explained.

One yellow vest believed to have been used by one of the suspects has already been recovered as investigators continue to collect evidence.

Approximately 60 investigators are now working on the case. Beccuau expressed optimism that the stolen jewels may be recovered in the coming days.