Museum heists have turned more violent, with thieves hired on social media, Europol says
Over the last two years, art thieves have shifted their attention to precious metals, jewels, and cultural artifacts that offer greater profits, the EU's law enforcement agency said in a report.
According to Europol, museum heists in Europe have become more violent and are increasingly targeting gold, jewels, and cultural artifacts, as opposed to traditional art theft gangs. These shifts have been driven by the surge in gold prices and the ease of monetizing precious stones. The organization reported that recent thefts are carried out by decentralized, ad-hoc groups recruited via social media, a method they dubbed "crime-as-a-service."
Traditional gangs, known for their expertise and stealth, have been replaced by opportunistic thieves who breach premises using tools such as sledgehammers, axes, crowbars, and explosives. In 2021, a notable example occurred when thieves stole €88 million worth of jewels from the Louvre Museum in Paris, using intimidation tactics against guards and visitors.
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