Recent Arrests in Louvre Jewelry Heist
Police in Paris have made five additional arrests related to the Louvre jewelry heist, but the stolen items remain missing. Prosecutor Laure Becuaux shared details at a Thursday press conference, indicating that a significant police operation throughout the city led to these arrests. DNA evidence collected at the scene proved pivotal in locating a suspect who was present during the robbery, allowing officers to identify four alleged accomplices through discreet surveillance.
The operation was conducted by the elite Bandit Suppression Brigade, as reported by local media. Arrests took place in various locations, including the affluent 16th arrondissement and the diverse suburb of Seine-Saint-Denis, with prosecutors labeling the DNA expert involved as the “prime suspect.”
Becuaux noted that while the four additional suspects may not have directly participated in the robbery, they likely contributed in other ways. “One of them was already on our radar, with DNA evidence tying him to the crime. He’s one of the suspects we have been investigating,” Becuaux stated, hinting at the potential for further insights into how the robbery was executed.
Prosecutors have also reached out to individuals who might have historic jewels stolen from the Louvre, urging them: “There’s still time to return them.” So far, only one item, a crown mistakenly dropped by the thief, has surfaced publicly.
With these five new arrests, the total number of individuals in custody now stands at seven. Although there hasn’t been extensive information disclosed about those apprehended, the concentration of arrests in the troubled Seine-Saint-Denis region has sparked criticism regarding the impact of open borders on France, particularly as at least one individual identified is an Algerian migrant.
Among the suspects, three believed to be directly involved in the heist are currently in custody. Authorities confirmed that two of the people arrested on Sunday participated in the Louvre raid. One of them, a 34-year-old Algerian immigrant, has lived in France since his teenage years and was linked to the crime through DNA found on his getaway motorcycle.
He resided in Aubervilliers, a part of Seine-Saint-Denis, and had been working as a delivery driver. The second person arrested on Sunday, a 39-year-old with a similar background, also worked as a delivery driver and had prior police encounters for operating unlicensed taxis and theft. One suspect was taken into custody while attempting to board a flight to Algeria, while the other was caught trying to escape to Mali.
