标签： Europe

In the wake of a daring heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris, French Culture Minister Rachida Dati has affirmed that the museum’s security systems were fully operational during the incident. The theft, which occurred on Sunday morning, saw thieves ascend the museum’s facade using a basket lift, breach a window, and smash display cases to steal priceless Napoleonic-era jewels. Despite the successful robbery, Dati emphasized that the security apparatus did not fail, stating, ‘The Louvre museum’s security apparatus worked.’ She has initiated an administrative inquiry alongside the ongoing police investigation to ensure transparency, though details on how the thieves evaded detection remain undisclosed. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez confirmed that the museum’s alarm was triggered when the Apollo Gallery’s window was forced, and police arrived within minutes of being alerted by a witness. The heist, lasting less than eight minutes, targeted the gilded Apollo Gallery, home to the Crown Diamonds. While alarms prompted Louvre agents to respond, the thieves had already fled with eight historic objects, including sapphire and emerald jewelry linked to 19th-century French royalty. Dati described the theft as a ‘wound for all of us,’ underscoring the Louvre’s significance as a cultural and national treasure.

A 26-year-old man has been brought before a Dublin court, accused of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl under the care of Tusla, Ireland’s Child and Family Agency. The alleged incident occurred in the early hours of Monday morning at Garter Lane, Saggart, Co Dublin. The charges fall under Section 2 of the Criminal Law (Rape) (Amendment) Act 1990, as amended by Section 37 of the Sex Offenders Act 2001. Due to legal restrictions in the Republic of Ireland, the identity of the accused remains undisclosed. When charged, the defendant reportedly responded, ‘I have nothing to say.’ The court granted him free legal aid, citing his unemployment, and remanded him in custody until a bail hearing scheduled for Wednesday. A defense solicitor has requested an Arabic interpreter for the proceedings. Tusla has issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to supporting the young victim and her family while collaborating with Gardaí, Ireland’s police force. Tusla, the state agency responsible for child protection and family support, is actively involved in the case. Gardaí have launched a public appeal for information, urging anyone who was near City West Drive, Garter Lane, or the City West and Saggart Luas stops between 11:00 PM on Sunday and 1:30 AM on Monday to come forward. The investigation continues as authorities seek to ensure justice for the young victim.

A Chinese-born woman has been formally charged in connection with the audacious theft of six gold nuggets, valued at approximately 1.5 million euros ($1.75 million), from the Museum of Natural History in Paris last month, according to French prosecutors. The suspect was apprehended in Barcelona while attempting to dispose of melted gold and is currently in pre-trial detention. The museum, renowned for its extensive collections of stuffed animals and bones, houses a mineralogy gallery where the stolen gold was displayed. Investigators discovered an angle-grinder and a blowtorch at the crime scene, suggesting the use of sophisticated tools. Reports indicate that the museum’s alarm and surveillance systems were disabled by a cyberattack, which the thieves allegedly exploited. A museum spokesperson revealed to Le Figaro that the perpetrators were highly experienced and well-informed, taking advantage of a security vulnerability overlooked in the 2024 audit. The break-in was discovered by cleaners arriving before dawn at the museum, which is affiliated with Sorbonne University and located near the Jardin des Plantes in central Paris. The suspect was arrested by Spanish police on September 30 under a European Arrest Warrant and extradited to France the same day. Authorities found her in possession of around one kilogram of melted gold, and investigations are ongoing. It is believed she was preparing to flee to China. Among the stolen items was a 5kg gold nugget originally from Australia, valued at approximately €585,000 at current gold prices. Museum director Emmanuel Skoulios described the thieves as an ‘extremely professional team’ with precise knowledge of their target and access to professional equipment. This incident follows a separate high-profile heist at the Louvre, where thieves stole priceless French crown jewels in a meticulously planned operation lasting less than eight minutes. Experts speculate that the stolen items may be dismantled and sold for a fraction of their value. Dutch art detective Arthur Brand noted that the perpetrators are likely experienced criminals who have carried out similar burglaries in the past. Recent months have seen at least four French museums targeted by thieves, raising concerns about the security of cultural institutions in the country.

A devastating tornado swept through the Val-d’Oise region, located north of Paris, on Monday, resulting in tragic consequences. The powerful storm claimed the life of a 23-year-old construction worker and caused significant destruction, including the collapse of three construction cranes. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting the unpredictable and destructive nature of such natural phenomena. Emergency services swiftly responded to the scene, but the young worker could not be saved. Authorities are now assessing the extent of the damage and providing support to affected residents. This tragic event underscores the importance of preparedness and safety measures in the face of severe weather conditions.