Russian businessman Pawel Durow said he will purchase and return the jewellery stolen from the Louvre during the Oct. 19 raid, noting his disdain for the attack.
Robbery at the Louvre
On Sunday, 19 October, about 9:30 a.m., four masked individuals infiltrated the Louvre from the Seine side. They used an elevator to reach the first floor Gallery Apollo. In a span of four minutes, the thieves smashed display cases, seized jewellery, and fled on two scooters.
Businessman’s Reaction
Pawel Durow, founder of the Telegram service, called the incident “another sad sign of the collapse of a once‑great country.” He added he is not surprised by the attack, describing it as a symptom of a government that diverts attention with false threats.
Durow declared he would gladly purchase the stolen jewels and return them to the Louvre in Abu Abdabi, insisting that “no one steals from the Louvre in Abu Abdabi.”
Investigation and Suspects
BBC reports that around 60 investigators are pursuing four suspects, who are believed to work for a criminal organisation. Prosecutors suspect the thieves acted on order.
Planned Handling of the Loot
Art Recovery International director Chris Marinello said the stolen jewellery would be dismantled: the precious metal melted, valuable stones re‑polished, and evidence concealed.
