Louvre Heist Mystery Deepens: Israeli Spy Firm Claims Role, Museum Denies Contact

In a bizarre twist to the audacious weekend jewel heist at Paris's iconic Louvre Museum, an Israeli intelligence firm led by a former Shin Bet chief has publicly claimed it was enlisted to help recover the stolen treasures, only for the museum to flatly deny any such outreach, raising questions about the behind-the-scenes scramble to solve one of France's most daring thefts in decades.

The CGI Group, headed by Yaakov Peri, who served as director of Israel's internal security agency from 1988 to 1994, told AFP that the Louvre had "exceptionally asked us to uncover the identity of people involved in the theft and to retrieve the stolen artifacts."

Peri, now 81, emphasized his firm's expertise in tracking stolen valuables, citing past involvement in cases like the 2019 Dresden Green Vault heist, where priceless jewels were recovered through international collaboration.

However, Louvre management swiftly rebuffed the claim today, telling AFP, "We have not contacted this company," and insisting the investigation remains solely in the hands of French authorities. This denial comes amid speculation that the heist may involve sophisticated international networks, potentially explaining why an Israeli firm with ties to global intelligence circles might be drawn in, though some sources suggest CGI's announcement could be a strategic move to insert itself into the probe.

The theft itself unfolded like a Hollywood thriller on the evening of October 19, 2025: Four masked professionals stormed the Apollo Gallery, smashing display cases and snatching eight historic pieces from the Crown Jewels collection, valued at up to €30 million (around $32.5 million). These artifacts, linked to Napoleon Bonaparte's era, include brooches, tiaras, and other royal regalia from the 19th century.

In their hasty escape on motorbikes, the thieves dropped Empress Eugénie's crown, a stunning diamond-encrusted piece, which was later recovered outside the museum.

The Louvre was immediately shuttered, with French police reviewing security footage and examining abandoned tools left at the scene, including hammers and crowbars.

Recovery experts warn that time is critical: Authorities have a narrow 24- to 48-hour window before the gems could be recut, fenced on the black market, or melted down for their raw materials, rendering them untraceable.

CGI's involvement, if confirmed, could leverage Peri's extensive network, built from his time in Israeli intelligence and later roles in politics and business, to pursue leads across borders.

As the investigation intensifies, the Louvre's denial adds an layer of intrigue, with some analysts suggesting internal miscommunications or unofficial backchannel requests.