Two Suspects Arrested in Daring Louvre Jewel Heist: Prosecutor Appeals for Diamonds' Return

In a stunning development following the audacious theft of priceless crown jewels from the Louvre, two men have been arrested, partially admitting their involvement, according to prosecutor Laure Beccuau. The suspects, apprehended on Sunday, are expected to face charges of organized theft and criminal conspiracy, which could lead to substantial prison sentences. While the jewels, valued at an estimated €88 million, remain unaccounted for, Beccuau's appeal to the thieves underscores the urgency of their recovery. The dramatic heist occurred on October 19, when a four-man gang executed a brazen operation just minutes after the museum opened. Arriving at the museum in a stolen truck modified for the crime, the thieves posed as maintenance workers. They smashed a window on the first floor Apollo gallery and utilized disc cutters to access display cases, making a getaway that lasted less than seven minutes. Despite dropping a valuable diamond and emerald-studded crown, the gang escaped with eight other extravagant pieces, including a necklace gifted by Napoleon I to his second wife and a diadem once owned by Empress Eugénie. Beccuau confirmed that the arrested suspects, one a 34-year-old Algerian national at Charles de Gaulle airport and the other a 39-year-old with a criminal history, had been connected to the crime through DNA evidence found at the scene and in the getaway vehicle. The investigation, however, indicates there might be a larger network involved, although no evidence of insider assistance has been identified so far. The prosecutor also lamented that recovery efforts are daunting, emphasizing that the jewels are unsellable and appealing for their return. 'Anyone who buys them would be guilty of concealment of stolen goods,' Beccuau cautioned, urging the thieves to consider the consequences of their actions. Amidst the investigation, questions have been raised about the Lyon’s security mechanisms, which Paris police chief Patrice Faure described as outdated. Delays in a significant security upgrade plan mean this major improvement won’t be completed until the end of the decade. The museum’s director, Laurence des Cars, has acknowledged existing security blindspots, particularly noting that the only camera near the Apollo gallery was misaligned and failed to capture crucial evidence. As the hunt for the jewel thieves continues, over 100 investigators from France’s organized crime squad and a unit dedicated to trafficking in artworks are tirelessly working to piece together clues and recover the stolen treasures. The situation remains fluid as authorities seek to bring those responsible to justice and retrieve the jewels, a vital part of France's cultural heritage. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2 • Source 3