The unidentified mastermind behind the €88 million theft of French crown jewels from the Louvre was dissatisfied with the haul, believing his recruits could have stolen more, two suspects have told investigators.
Abdoulaye N and Ghelamallah A said they were recruited just two to three days before the 19 October 2025 break-in at the museum's Apollo gallery and promised up to €25,000 each. Eight pieces of jewellery, including tiaras, a brooch, necklaces, and earrings, were taken in the burglary. During the escape, a gem-encrusted crown belonging to Empress Eugénie was dropped and damaged near the museum.
The suspects have refused to name the organiser, who planned to resell the stolen items, citing fear of reprisal. The mastermind's identity remains unknown to authorities.