Two men have been arrested in connection with a daring jewelry heist at the Louvre, just as one was preparing to leave France. The Paris prosecutor announced the arrests on Sunday, following a robbery that took place on October 19, where thieves made off with eight valuable pieces worth around $102 million.
The suspects, both in their 30s and hailing from the Seine-Saint-Denis suburb of Paris, were taken into custody on Saturday evening. Reports indicate that one of them was about to board a flight to Algeria at Charles de Gaulle airport when he was apprehended. Authorities had prior knowledge of the suspects, who are known to the police.
Despite the arrests, there has been no news of recovering the stolen jewelry. Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau expressed concern over leaks regarding the arrests, stating that such information could hinder the ongoing investigation. She emphasized the efforts of the 100 investigators working on the case to locate the stolen items and apprehend all involved.
The robbery itself was quite dramatic. Four masked thieves broke into the museum by using a crane to smash a window during open hours. They escaped on motorbikes, leaving behind a scene that has sparked discussions about security at the world’s most-visited museum. The stolen treasures included a tiara and an earring belonging to Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense from the early 19th century. Interestingly, the crown of Empress Eugenie, made of gold, emeralds, and diamonds, was found damaged outside the museum, suggesting the thieves dropped it during their escape.
The Louvre, once the royal residence of French kings, became a museum in 1793 after the French Revolution. With its vast collection of masterpieces, including the famous Mona Lisa, it attracted 8.7 million visitors last year. The recent heist has raised questions about security measures at such a prominent institution, leading to a sense of national embarrassment in France. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez has commended the investigative team but has not provided further details as the investigation continues.
