New Arrests in Louvre Heist Case
French authorities announced on Thursday that five additional suspects have been arrested related to the audacious daytime robbery of treasures from the Louvre. However, the valuable items remain unaccounted for.
According to prosecutor Laure Becuaux, the arrests took place during various operations across Paris and nearby areas, including Seine-Saint-Denis. The identities of those detained have not been disclosed.
One of the newly arrested suspects is believed to have been part of a four-person crew that invaded the Louvre’s Apollo museum on October 19, managing to steal jewels valued at 88 million euros (approximately $102 million) in under eight minutes.
“Despite extensive searches last night, we were unsuccessful in locating the stolen items,” Becuaux mentioned.
Louvre Heist Raises Security Concerns
Two other members of the team were apprehended on Sunday and were formally charged on Wednesday with criminal conspiracy and organized theft. Becuaux noted that both suspects have, at least in part, admitted to their roles in the crime.
One suspect, a 34-year-old Algerian man who has been living in France since 2010, was arrested at Charles de Gaulle airport while attempting to flee to Algeria with a one-way ticket. He resides in the suburb of Aubervilliers, north of Paris, and has a history of traffic offenses. His DNA was collected from the scooter used during their getaway.
The second suspect, aged 39, was taken into custody at his home in Aubervilliers and is known to have a criminal history involving prior thefts. Investigators linked his DNA to the glass case that held the stolen jewelry and to some items left behind.
Details of the Brazen Robbery
Prosecutors suspect that the robbers may have been contracted by collectors. The thieves used a basket lift to gain access to the museum’s exterior, pried open windows, and employed knives to open display cases in the Apollo Gallery. They absconded with several historic pieces, including:
- A set of sapphire diadems, necklaces, and earrings commemorating Queen Marie Amélie and Hortense.
- An emerald necklace and earrings that once belonged to Napoleon’s second wife, Empress Marie Louise.
- A sacred relic brooch.
- Empress Eugénie’s diamond crown and an ornate corsage ribbon brooch.
While Eugénie’s emerald-encrusted crown, which features over 1,300 diamonds, was found damaged outside the museum, other pieces are still missing.
In light of the breached security, the Louvre’s director, Laurence de Caer, acknowledged a “terrible failure.” Nonetheless, Becuaux stated there is no evidence suggesting that the theft involved any insiders.
Becuaux also made a direct appeal to anyone who might have possession of the stolen jewels, cautioning them that these items “cannot be sold” due to their significant historical value and urging their return.
“Anyone who purchases them will face charges related to concealing stolen property,” she warned. “There’s still a chance to return them.”
