In brief
Following a recent heist where thieves stole priceless jewels from the Louvre, the museum has transferred these treasures to the Bank of France. The jewels, now stored underground in a state-of-the-art vault, include items worth €88m and are part of a larger collection essential to France’s heritage.
The Louvre has transferred some of its most precious jewels to the Bank of France after a spectacular daylight heist exposed flaws in the museum's security.
On Friday, a secret police escort oversaw the transfer of these jewels, which are now stored 26m (85ft) below ground in the Bank's most secure vault in Paris. This vault contains 90% of France's gold reserves and other national treasures worth an estimated €600m (£520m).
The vault, known as the 'Souterraine', boasts a 50cm-thick door and a sophisticated security system designed to prevent forced entry. It comes in response to the recent theft, where thieves used sophisticated techniques to access the Gallery of Apollo, home to the crown jewels.
Within minutes, the gang stole treasures including a necklace belonging to Empress Marie-Louise worth €88m (£77m). The Louvre's director admitted that the security infrastructure had been weak, with the only exterior camera facing the wrong way at the time of the break-in.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez expressed confidence that the thieves would be caught, emphasizing the need for security improvements at the museum.
