Israeli company CGI Group revealed that following the high-profile theft at the Louvre Museum, individuals claiming to be the perpetrators contacted them with an offer to sell the stolen jewelry via the darknet. The company immediately reported this to the museum’s management, but having received no response for six days, the negotiations with the criminals were halted, reports Baltimore Chronicle with reference to Ynet.
CGI Group CEO Tzvika Naveh explained that five days after the robbery, the company received an encrypted message on its official website. The sender, claiming to represent the thieves, proposed a deal to sell the stolen items for tens of millions of euros. They insisted that all negotiations take place exclusively on the darknet and be concluded within 24 hours, emphasizing the need to quickly dispose of the loot.
During the encrypted communication, the sender provided evidence proving possession of at least part of the stolen valuables. CGI Group relayed this information to its client, who then informed the Louvre’s management. However, according to Naveh, the museum did not respond for six days, causing a lost opportunity to recover the stolen items.
“We lost the trust of the thieves, and the museum lost a real chance to reclaim the valuables. It appears hesitation and ego played a role,” said the head of the Israeli company.
Louvre representatives, for their part, denied any direct contact with CGI Group. Meanwhile, the company clarified that communication was conducted through its Italian branch, which was allegedly hired by an insurance organization associated with the museum.
Earlier we wrote that French Police Detain Five People Linked to the Louvre Museum Robbery.
