Luxury Snails Worth €90,000 Stolen From French Farm Destined for Michelin-Star Restaurants

France has witnessed another significant theft incident recently.

Following the high-profile Louvre museum heist, thieves have now targeted a snail farm, making off with snails valued at approximately Rs 93 lakh (90,000 euros). The stolen goods included both fresh and frozen snail products. Producer Jean-Mathieu Dauvergne expressed his shock regarding the incident, stating that the theft occurred at L'Escargot des Grands between Sunday night and Monday morning.

The robbery involved around 450 kg of snails that were intended for Michelin-star restaurants, suggesting that the operation likely required multiple participants.

Dauvergne described the break-in, saying, "They cut the fence, broke down the door with a crowbar, and smashed the light detectors. Then they helped themselves to things in my cold storage rooms."

"It's very surprising because they stole raw materials: 450 kg of snail meat. It's incredible to have stolen such a quantity. It must be the work of a very organised network."

He mentioned that the stolen quantity would have been sufficient for 10,000 meals and stated in a Facebook post that the theft was a "very tough blow," estimating the financial loss at 90,000 euros.

Most of the stolen snails were scheduled for Christmas deliveries to upscale restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Domaine les Crayeres in Reims, where they feature in a signature puff-pastry dish.

According to the Chambers of Agriculture, France consumes approximately 14,300 tonnes of snails annually, with 95 percent being imported.

In related news, French authorities recently apprehended a 39-year-old man believed to be the fourth member of the team responsible for stealing crown jewels from the Louvre Museum. The suspect faces preliminary charges of robbery by an organised gang, which carries a potential 15-year prison sentence, and criminal conspiracy, punishable by up to 10 years if convicted.

Investigators believe a four-person group stole jewels worth an estimated $102 million from the Louvre's Apollo Gallery in a daylight heist. The thieves reportedly took less than eight minutes to force entry into the museum and escape, using a freight lift to access the building's window.