Culprits of Louvre Heist: Update on Arrests and Charges

In a further development related to the audacious jewel heist at the Louvre, French authorities have arrested two additional suspects, bringing the total number of individuals charged to four. Prosecutors announced that a 38-year-old woman and a 37-year-old man were taken into custody on Wednesday, alongside three other individuals who were later released without charge. The woman, appearing distressed in a Paris courtroom, expressed fears for both her children and herself. This emotional plea came while she was formally charged with complicity in organized theft and criminal conspiracy aimed at preparatory actions for the crime. The magistrate justified her detention, citing potential risks of collusion and public disorder. The man has been charged with organized theft and criminal conspiracy as well, with prosecutors noting his known history of theft offenses. He is currently held in pretrial detention as he awaits a hearing in the coming days. Both suspects maintain their innocence in relation to the heist, according to Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau. This high-profile case stems from an extraordinary incident last month, when thieves armed with power tools brazenly targeted the Louvre, executing the heist in a mere seven minutes. Their haul is valued at approximately €88 million ($76 million). The initial arrests involved two male suspects who have also been charged with theft and criminal conspiracy; these individuals partially admitted guilt. One suspect is a 34-year-old Algerian national linked to the theft through DNA evidence found on one of the getaway scooters. The second is a 39-year-old unlicensed taxi driver. Both suspects had prior run-ins with law enforcement, which played a role in their apprehension. The first was arrested at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport while attempting to board a flight to Algeria, while the second was taken into custody shortly after leaving his home. Significantly, there was no indication he was planning to escape abroad. Despite the progress made with these arrests, the stolen treasures, including a diamond and emerald-studded crown once owned by Empress Eugenie, remain elusive. The thieves dropped the crown during their exit but successfully absconded with several other items, such as an emerald-and-diamond necklace gifted by Napoleon I to his second wife, Empress Marie-Louise, and a diadem adorned with nearly 2000 diamonds that belonged to Empress Eugenie. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez expressed confidence that law enforcement agencies would recover the stolen items, underscoring the high priority placed on resolving this case. As investigations continue, the focus remains on not only bringing the perpetrators to justice but also retrieving the irreplaceable cultural treasures taken from one of the world's most renowned art museums. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2