Refer China: Stolen Louvre Jewelry Surfaces on Chinese Second-Hand Platform?

NEWS

Stolen Louvre Jewelry Surfaces on Chinese Second-Hand Platform?

A recent robbery at the world-renowned Louvre Museum in Paris has stunned the global cultural community, after several valuable artifacts were reported stolen. The situation took a bizarre twist when jewelry allegedly from the stolen collection surfaced on a Chinese second-hand marketplace, sparking outrage and curiosity online.

Check our latest video on China Visa and foreign-related knowledge!

Follow our channel for updates 👇

Stolen Treasures Listed Online

On October 22, journalists discovered multiple listings on the Chinese resale platform Xianyu claiming to sell "stolen jewelry from the Louvre Museum." Prices ranged from a few hundred yuan to an eye-watering 99.99 million yuan. Listing descriptions included phrases like "9.5/10 condition," "in-stock," "freshly obtained," and "urgent sale."

When contacted, some sellers responded cryptically in English with lines like, "I'm selling my goods, do you need my Chinese friend?" Others responded in Chinese with messages such as "Thieves have ethics too—this piece is too hot, I passed on it," or admitted outright that they were "just joking."

Platform Response

In response, Xianyu's customer service advised users to use the platform's reporting function to flag suspicious listings. "If the product is problematic, you can click the report button. Once received, we'll verify it within five working days," a representative stated. They recommended selecting options like "Prohibited Item" or "Counterfeit" when submitting reports.

Louvre Director Under Fire, Resignation Refused

Meanwhile, back in France, Louvre Museum Director Laurence des Cars appeared before a Senate hearing to address the heist. She admitted to serious security shortcomings at the museum's perimeter and noted that many surveillance cameras were outdated or insufficient in number—particularly around the Apollo Gallery where the theft occurred.

Des Cars emphasized that during the robbery, the museum's internal alarms and cameras functioned correctly, and four unarmed security guards responded professionally, ensuring no injuries occurred. However, the museum failed to detect the intruders beforehand—a vulnerability she acknowledged stemmed from weak perimeter defense and aging infrastructure.

In recent years, museum security efforts had focused more on potential acts of eco-activism—such as paint-splashing incidents—than on organized crime. "We underestimated the shift in criminal tactics toward precious artifacts and metals," Des Cars said.

She proposed immediate and long-term reforms: enhancing external barricades to prevent unauthorized vehicle access, doubling and upgrading surveillance systems, and even establishing an on-site police station with the Ministry of the Interior's support.

Following the incident, Des Cars offered her resignation to the French Minister of Culture—but it was declined.

Source: 新闻坊