PARIS — Following the shocking theft of crown jewels, authorities have made arrests. Paris prosecutors reported the apprehension of suspects on Saturday evening, just one week after the heist that captured global attention. Notably, one of the arrested individuals was about to depart from Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport.
French media sources indicated that at least two suspects were taken into custody, though Paris prosecutor Laure Becuau refrained from confirming the exact number or suggesting whether any of the missing jewelry has been recovered.
Last Sunday, thieves executed a daring heist, stealing 88 million euros (around $102 million) worth of jewelry from the Louvre Museum in less than eight minutes. Authorities detailed how the intruders utilized a basket lift to access the museum’s facade, forcing open windows and shattering display cases before escaping. The museum director described this incident as a “terrible failure.”
Mr. Bequo mentioned that the arrests were conducted by a specialized police unit focused on armed robberies and art thefts. In her statement, she criticized the premature leaking of information, as it could hinder the work of the more than 100 investigators mobilized to retrieve the stolen items and apprehend all those involved. More information will be shared once the suspects’ custody is concluded.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez commended the investigators for their relentless efforts, affirming the trust he placed in them throughout the process.
The Louvre reopened to visitors earlier this week after the incident. The theft has been termed one of the most audacious museum robberies of recent times, shocking many due to its bold execution.
Some liken this incident to a cultural blow, drawing parallels to the Notre Dame cathedral fire in 2019.
The thieves made away with eight significant items, including a sapphire crown, a necklace, and a single earring intricately connected to 19th-century queens Marie Amélie and Hortense. Also among the stolen pieces were the emerald necklace and earrings once worn by Empress Marie Louise, Napoleon Bonaparte’s second wife, alongside the reliquary brooch. Empress Eugénie’s diamond crown and a remarkable corsage ribbon brooch were also taken.
Interestingly, one item—a crown set in emeralds with over 1,300 diamonds—was discovered outside the museum later, damaged but repairable.
On hearing about the arrests, visitors at the Louvre expressed a mix of relief and skepticism. “This is significant for our tradition. It’s been a week, and it feels a bit late to catch them. But having them arrested is crucial,” remarked Freddie Jacme. Meanwhile, Diana Ramirez voiced a common concern: “The main issue now is whether they can get the jewelry back. That’s what really matters.”
