MWE Correspondent
Unknown thieves made off with gold valued at approximately $700,000 from the National Museum of Natural History in Paris early Tuesday morning.
The stolen items, including several native gold specimens, were reported to be in their natural state, unrefined and mixed with traces of other minerals, giving them both scientific and cultural significance.
Officials say the criminals carried out the theft with a high degree of planning and sophistication. Using tools such as angle grinders and blowtorches, the suspects bypassed high-security glass displays to seize the precious specimens. Among the items taken is a notable gold and quartz nugget sourced from California’s Donatia mine, a rare and highly prized geological artifact. These specimens were not just valuable in terms of their material worth but also held immense importance for research and educational programs conducted by the museum.
The museum’s director described the theft as a “professional operation” that highlights ongoing vulnerabilities in the security of cultural institutions.
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Experts note that such crimes are increasingly linked to organized networks that target museums and heritage sites across Europe. This incident follows a string of similar robberies in France, including high-value thefts in Limoges and other parts of Paris, signaling a concerning trend in the protection of national treasures.
In addition to the immediate financial loss, museum officials emphasize the blow to scientific research. Many of the stolen specimens were part of ongoing geological studies, offering insights into mineral composition and natural history. Recovering these items is therefore a priority not only for law enforcement but also for the academic and scientific communities.
Authorities are urging the public to assist in the investigation, appealing for any information that could help track down the stolen artifacts and the perpetrators responsible. Security measures at the museum have been immediately reinforced, and investigations are ongoing in cooperation with international law enforcement agencies.
