Art thefts in Europe grow more violent as criminals hire via social media

According to Europol, museum burglaries in Europe have taken a more violent turn, focusing on high-value gold, jewels and cultural objects. Criminals now employ tools like sledgehammers, axes, crowbars and occasionally explosives to breach display cases. The classic model of a single-leader gang with specialized expertise is being replaced by ad-hoc opportunists recruited through social-media platforms, operating as a decentralized "crime-as-a-service" network.

The recent Louvre heist, which produced €88 million worth of jewels including Empress Eugenie's tiara, illustrates the new aggressive approach. Rising gold prices have spurred thieves to target precious metals, which can be melted down, while gemstones are easily removed and sold. Europol also noted increased thefts of ancient Chinese porcelain and a 2,500-year-old Dacian golden helmet stolen with explosives in the Netherlands, though the helmet and most items were recovered.