In pics: Precious Napoleon-era jewels worth $102 million stolen from The Louvre in 4-minute heist

Paris' Louvre Museum was left shocked after criminals staged a pre-planned heist, stealing eight pieces of Napoleon-era jewels worth 102 million dollars in about 4 minutes, reported AP. (Source: Instagram/@the_royal_watcher)

Using a mechanical lift to scale the building, the gang broke into the Galerie d'Apollon, home to France’s historic crown jewels, and shattered two fortified display cases.

"Even the Mona Lisa couldn’t keep an eye on this one," an X user commented jokingly. (Source: Instagram/@the_royal_watcher)

Investigators suspect a high-end criminal network, with fears that the jewels could be dismantled or traded on the black market. But beyond the theft lies a more haunting loss -- fragments of European royalty, artistry, and legacy, gone in a flash. (Source: Instagram/@the_royal_watcher)

The crown of Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III, was stolen by the gang but later abandoned as they fled. Its condition is "currently being examined," according to the Ministry of Culture. (Source: Instagram/@the_royal_watcher)

Empress Eugénie’s Pearl Tiara, the tiara, necklace and earrings of the Orléans Sapphire Parure, Empress Marie-Louise’s Emerald Parure, Empress Eugénie’s Diamond Bow Brooch and Diamond Reliquary Brooch remain missing. (Source: Instagram/@the_royal_watcher)

The Louvre, which attracts nearly nine million visitors a year, has long faced criticism for outdated infrastructure and overstrained security. This incident only highlights the merit of the criticisms at length. (Source: Instagram/@the_royal_watcher)