Breaking News: Footage of Notorious Louvre Heist Revealed on French Television

In a shocking development, footage of the infamous 2010 heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris has been broadcast for the first time on French television. The brazen robbery, which saw thieves break into display cases and make off with an estimated $131 million worth of art, has finally been brought to light through stunning security camera footage.

The Heist: A Timeline

On August 10, 2010, a group of professional thieves stormed the Louvre Museum during regular visiting hours. The robbers, who were reportedly wearing wigs and sunglasses, moved quickly and efficiently, avoiding security cameras and guards.

• At approximately 3:15 pm, the thieves entered the museum through a side door, located near the Denon Wing.
• They then made their way to the Richelieu Wing, where they targeted several display cases containing valuable art pieces.
• The thieves used specialized tools to break into the cases, removing valuable items such as paintings and sculptures from their frames.
• The team of robbers is believed to have worked in tandem with inside accomplices, who may have provided them with valuable information about the museum's security systems.

The Mastermind Behind the Heist

While the identity of the masterminds behind the heist remains a closely guarded secret, French authorities believe that several key individuals were involved.

• Ali Aka Hamza: A notorious thief and art forger, Aka Hamza was reportedly one of the main organizers of the heist.
• Mohamed Cherif: A former accomplice of Aka Hamza, Cherif was arrested in 2011 after being linked to several high-profile art thefts.

The Aftermath

The Louvre Museum suffered significant losses as a result of the heist. The estimated value of the stolen artwork is approximately $131 million, making it one of the most expensive art thefts in history.

• Monet's 'Woman with a Hat': One of the most famous paintings stolen during the heist was Claude Monet's "Woman with a Hat."
• Greek and Roman Art: Several ancient Greek and Roman sculptures were also targeted, including a rare example of a Roman sarcophagus.
• Other Stolen Items: The thieves made off with numerous other valuable art pieces, including paintings by artists such as Edouard Manet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir.

Security Upgrades

In the aftermath of the heist, the Louvre Museum underwent significant security upgrades. New state-of-the-art cameras and alarm systems were installed to prevent similar incidents in the future.

• Enhanced Security Measures: The museum also implemented new procedures for displaying valuable artwork, including the use of bulletproof glass and enhanced display cases.
• Cooperation with Authorities: The Louvre Museum has continued to cooperate closely with French authorities to combat art crime.

Conclusion

The footage of the Louvre heist reveals a brazen and sophisticated operation. While the identity of those involved remains unknown, the impact of the heist on the museum and the art world at large is still felt today. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by art crime and the importance of effective security measures to protect valuable cultural assets.