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The gang of thieves who robbed the Louvre Museum on Sunday and made off with some of France's most famous crown jewels may end up melting down the stolen treasures, a former FBI art crime expert said.
Tim Carpenter also suggested that the team of robbers behind the "shocking" operation was focused on treasures of exceptional cultural and historical value.
"They knew exactly what they were aiming for and understood the value and cultural significance of these works," he continued.
"They also understood that this was extremely important to the people of France."
Theft of ancient museum bracelets adds to the list of other priceless artifacts stolen and destroyed around the world
Also "shocking," Carpenter noted, "is that it was a daytime robbery, while the museum was open."
The Louvre was forced to close its doors after the daring morning robbery, which took place in less than 7 minutes.
The raid, at around 9:30 a.m. local time, targeted the museum's Apollo Gallery, which houses historical treasures related to Napoleon and Empress Eugénie.
Robbers reportedly stole a crown believed to have belonged to Empress Eugénie, Le Parisien reported.
According to the Associated Press, eight objects were stolen, including a sapphire tiara, a necklace and a single earring from a similar set associated with 19th-century French queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense.
An emerald necklace and earrings from Empress Marie-Louise's matching set were also reportedly stolen along with a relic brooch, Empress Eugénie's tiara and her large corsage-shaped brooch.
"They can be melted down or broken into pieces," Carpenter explained, adding "they will separate the stones from the crowns, cut the stones and sell them individually."
According to the French daily Le Parisien, the thieves, two of whom were disguised as construction workers, entered the museum after parking next to it.
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