An Israeli security company claims it received a dark‑web proposal to buy the Empress Eugénie’s diadem, stolen from the Louvre in October 2023, sparking a dispute with French authorities.
Israeli Media Report on Proposed Purchase of Stolen Louvre Jewel
Israeli public‑broadcast channel Kan reported that a company had been offered to buy one of the jewels stolen from the Louvre in October of this year. The contact took place on the Dark Web, with the vendor identifying themselves as a broker.
The Israeli security firm CGI Group, founded by former state security personnel, confirmed receiving a specific proposal to purchase the diadem of Empress Eugénie—a jewel made of diamonds and pearls. A photograph of the item was supplied as proof.
France Refutes Israeli Findings
Israel had informed French services that 8 million euros in cryptocurrency were demanded for the return of the diadem and that a broker was proposed to transfer the jewel through Slovakia. CGI Group said negotiations were aborted due to the French side.
Israeli media claim the firm is assisting French investigators; the Louvre, however, has denied any cooperation or involvement.
Breathtaking Louvre Heist
The French Ministry of Culture stated that on 19 October two high‑security cases were stolen from the Louvre, taking eight items of priceless cultural heritage. Among them were a necklace of emeralds and diamonds that Napoleon had gifted to his wife, Empress Marie‑Louise, the tiara of Empress Eugénie, and two necklaces.
The missing jewels, worth nearly 90 million euros, remain unidentified. A ninth object—a crown of Empress Eugénie encrusted with diamonds and emeralds—was found near the Louvre but was lost by thieves during escape. One month later, on 19 November, the Louvre announced it was taking urgent measures to strengthen security, as stated during a hearing before the House of Representatives.
