The recent Louvre heist continues to circulate on social media, leaving many astonished by the audacity of the crime. The theft, reminiscent of a movie plot, has captured the attention of people worldwide as French thieves successfully stole eight crown jewels valued at around €88 million (£77 million) in a mere seven minutes.
Surprisingly, reports have revealed that the heist was made possible by exploiting the Louvre’s security system, which one would assume to be highly secure. According to sources like the French publication Libération, the renowned museum allegedly safeguarded its security systems with the simplistic password ‘LOUVRE.’
Libération disclosed that in 2014, the French National Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI) flagged the weak password during security assessments at the Louvre, recommending the implementation of a more sophisticated security measure.
Online reactions were swift, with individuals poking fun at the situation. One person humorously pointed out that the password for accessing the Louvre’s video surveillance system was merely “Louvre.” Others suggested more complex passwords, highlighting the irony of stringent password requirements in comparison to the museum’s lax security practice.
In a recent development, one of the individuals arrested in connection to the crown jewels theft is a minor social media influencer known for his interest in motorcycles and previous work as a security guard at the Pompidou Centre, as reported by French media outlets.
The apprehended suspect, identified as Abdoulaye N, a 39-year-old residing in Aubervilliers, faces charges of organized theft and criminal conspiracy related to the heist that took place on October 19. Currently, four suspects are in police custody, including three believed to be part of the gang that utilized a stolen truck equipped with specialized equipment to access the museum’s Apollo gallery through a first-floor window.