French investigators have enlisted an Israeli security firm led by a former Shin Bet chief to help unravel one of the most daring art thefts in recent memory � the jewel heist at the Louvre, according to the firm.

CGI Group, headed by Yaakov Peri, Israel�s former domestic intelligence director, says it was brought in to assist authorities amid growing signs the theft may have been orchestrated by a professional criminal network. The company previously helped solve the 2019 Dresden Green Vault burglary in Germany, which saw �113 million in jewels stolen.

The Louvre theft unfolded Sunday morning, when four masked men used a construction crane to smash into the museum�s Galerie d�Apollon, home to France�s royal jewels. Armed with angle grinders but no firearms, the robbers threatened guards, stole nine pieces � escaping with eight � and fled Paris on motorcycles.

Among the stolen items was a crown once owned by Empress Eug�nie, wife of Napoleon III. It was dropped during the thieves� escape and later recovered. Investigators said the suspects bypassed the Regent diamond, worth more than $60 million, raising questions about their motives.

Officials found a reflective vest and evidence the robbers tried to torch the crane before fleeing. Culture Minister Rachida Dati acknowledged that the heist exposed �serious security gaps,� while President Emmanuel Macron condemned the robbery as �an attack on our shared heritage,� vowing the treasures would be recovered.

However, the Louvre denies it asked CGI Group to help solve the crime. �The Louvre management denies it,� it said in a statement to AFP.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)