Two men have been arrested by French authorities following a dramatic jewelry heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris, concluding a week-long investigation.
Just a week after four robbers invaded the Apollo Gallery using basic tools and a ladder truck, escaping on high-powered scooters with roughly $102 million in 19th-century royal jewelry, two suspects were apprehended on Saturday evening.
According to reports, one of the individuals was captured at Charles de Gaulle airport while allegedly preparing to board a flight to Algeria. Meanwhile, the second suspect was caught attempting to escape to Mali.
The newly appointed Minister of the Interior, Laurent Nuñez, expressed his gratitude to the investigators for their relentless efforts. He emphasized that the investigation must continue with the backing of the specialized interregional jurisdiction of the Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office, ensuring confidentiality remains a priority.
Currently, it’s unclear if the police have managed to recover the stolen jewelry or if they have made any headway in apprehending the other two suspects believed to be involved. There are suggestions that the thieves may have had inside assistance from someone at the museum.
Police officials mentioned they are nearing a resolution in the case. Reports indicate that digital forensic evidence suggests a possible collaboration between one of the museum’s security guards and the robbers, as confidential security information appears to have been leaked.
Paris prosecutor Laure Becuau, who is overseeing the investigation, has indicated that all scenarios are being explored, including possible collusion within the museum. She noted that over 150 DNA samples and various items left behind by the robbers, such as clothing and tools, have been collected, with results expected soon.
Becuau also mentioned that more than 100 investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from numerous public and private cameras to trace the thieves’ movements in Paris and surrounding areas.
Despite concerns that the stolen jewelry might have been fragmented for sale on the black market, the Paris prosecutor expressed a cautious optimism, suggesting that media attention on the heist might hinder the thieves’ ability to sell the jewels discreetly. She urged for quick action to increase the chances of recovery.
The robbery has sparked serious discussions about security protocols at the Louvre and other significant historical sites in France. A leaked report from the Independent Audit Office highlighted that plans to upgrade security measures were consistently delayed, leaving certain key areas, including where the robbery occurred, without surveillance cameras.
On Wednesday, Laurence de Cal, the museum’s first female director, acknowledged that there were no surveillance cameras in the vicinity of the Apollo Museum entrance at the time of the heist.
