A wave of arrests – five more individuals – has swept across Paris and its surrounding regions in the wake of the audacious theft of French crown jewels from the Louvre Museum. Despite the swift action by investigators, the priceless treasures remain at large, shrouded in mystery.
The daring heist unfolded on October 19th, a brazen daylight robbery that saw thieves scale the museum’s exterior using a basket lift. Within a mere eight minutes, they breached security, shattered display cases, and vanished with jewels valued at an astonishing 88 million euros.
Prosecutor Laure Beccuau revealed that one of the newly apprehended suspects is believed to have been directly involved in the four-person team that executed the theft. While identities remain confidential, the net is tightening around those responsible.
Earlier this week, two suspects were already in custody, facing preliminary charges of criminal conspiracy and theft. Crucially, both have admitted, at least in part, to their involvement in the meticulously planned operation.
The pursuit led authorities to Charles de Gaulle Airport, where a 34-year-old Algerian national, residing in France since 2010, was intercepted attempting to flee to Algeria on a one-way ticket. His DNA, recovered from a scooter used in the getaway, sealed his fate.
Simultaneously, a 39-year-old suspect was apprehended at his home. Investigators linked his DNA to both a shattered glass display case and other evidence left behind at the scene, solidifying the case against him. He has a history of prior thefts.
The stolen collection includes breathtaking pieces steeped in history: a sapphire diadem and set linked to French queens, an emerald necklace belonging to Empress Marie-Louise, Napoleon’s second wife, and a stunning diamond diadem once worn by Empress Eugénie.
While Eugénie’s emerald-encrusted crown was discovered damaged outside the museum, it is deemed recoverable. The remaining jewels, however, remain missing, representing an irreplaceable loss to France’s cultural heritage.
Louvre Director Laurence des Cars has publicly acknowledged a “terrible failure” in museum security, prompting a thorough review of protocols. However, investigators have found no indication of internal complicity.
In a direct plea to those holding the stolen jewels, Prosecutor Beccuau issued a stark warning: the treasures are “unsellable” due to their immense historical significance. She urged their return, emphasizing that anyone attempting to purchase them would be committing a crime.
“There’s still time to give them back,” Beccuau stated, a final appeal to conscience before the full weight of the law descends upon those responsible for this audacious crime. The search continues, fueled by the hope of recovering these national treasures.
