Two individuals have been apprehended following a broad daylight theft of crown jewels valued at around €88 million (exceeding $102 million) from the renowned Louvre Museum in Paris.
The incident unfolded last Sunday, when a group of four thieves employed power tools and a mechanical lift to break into the Galerie d’Apollon shortly after the museum opened. They threatened the guards, who evacuated the area, and shattered two display cases containing the valuable jewels. Remarkably, the thieves managed to complete the heist in just about four minutes before fleeing on scooters.
The museum’s director informed French senators that the lone camera monitoring the entrance where the break-in occurred was not focused on the balcony leading to the Gallery of Apollo.
France’s justice minister criticized the security measures, stating they “failed” and cast a “terrible image” on the nation.
French media reported the arrests of the two suspects, which the Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed occurred on Saturday evening.
According to police sources, one suspect was en route to Algeria while the other was bound for Mali. Both men, in their thirties and hailing from Seine-Saint-Denis, face serious charges of organized gang robbery and conspiracy. Authorities suggested they seemed to be professionals acting on commission.
More than 150 DNA samples collected from the crime scene—including gloves and a high-visibility jacket—led to the identification of the alleged thieves.
The stolen items included a tiara, a 94-diamond brooch, and a large jewel-encrusted bow that belonged to Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III. Additionally, a crown, necklace, and earrings set with sapphires in white gold, previously worn by Queen Marie-Amelie, were taken. Reports indicated that an emerald necklace and matching earrings belonging to Napoleon’s second wife, Marie Louise, were also among the items stolen.
Interestingly, Empress Eugenie’s emerald and diamond crown was discovered damaged outside the museum, described by Laurence des Cars, the president and director of the Louvre, as having been “crushed.”
“It appears that repairing it will be delicate but possible,” des Cars remarked.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez commended the investigators for their diligent work, expressing his unwavering confidence in their abilities.
The Louvre reopened earlier this week, attracting curious tourists to the balcony where the heist took place.
