(MENAFN) French investigators probing the recent robbery at the Louvre Museum have uncovered evidence suggesting that the heist was orchestrated with inside help, a media outlet reported on Saturday, citing sources familiar with the case.

The daring robbery occurred last week when four masked men armed with a chainsaw infiltrated the renowned Paris museum and stole eight pieces of France's crown jewels, valued at around $102 million.

According to the outlet, authorities found digital messages and recordings indicating that museum staff had been in contact with suspected members of the criminal gang prior to the heist.

"We have found digital forensic evidence that shows there was cooperation with one of the museum’s security guards and the thieves," a source revealed to the newspaper.

"Sensitive information was passed on about the museum’s security, which is how they were aware of the breach."

The burglars are believed to have used a crane to access a balcony and smash a window of the Galerie d’Apollon, which was open to the public at the time.

The entire operation took a mere seven minutes, with the thieves escaping via a furniture elevator and fleeing on motorbikes.

Investigators have gathered over 150 DNA samples from helmets, gloves, and other tools found at the scene, which may provide crucial leads in identifying the culprits.

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