French authorities have arrested two men in connection with the recent high-profile jewellery theft at the Louvre Museum in Paris.
The arrests took place on Saturday night, just as one of the suspects was about to depart France via Charles de Gaulle airport, according to statements from the Paris prosecutor’s office.
The men, both in their thirties, come from the Seine-Saint-Denis area in the suburbs of Paris, a region widely known for its socio-economic difficulties. Both were already known to police prior to the apprehensions.
Despite the arrests, investigators have yet to confirm the recovery of any of the stolen jewels, which are of considerable historical importance and immense value.
Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau refrained from specifying the number of detainees and expressed frustration at the premature public disclosure of the arrests, saying, “This revelation can only hinder the investigative efforts of the 100 or so mobilized investigators, both in the search for the stolen jewellery and for all the perpetrators. It is too early to provide any specific details.”
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez acknowledged the hard work of law enforcement teams via social media but declined to reveal further information.
The theft occurred on October 19, when four masked robbers carried out a meticulously planned heist using a crane to shatter an upper-floor window while the museum was open to visitors. They made their getaway on motorbikes following the seizure of eight exquisite pieces, collectively valued at an estimated $102 million. This daring crime has been met with shock both in France and internationally, igniting discussions about security at major cultural institutions.
Among the treasures stolen were a tiara and an earring associated with Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense, dating back to the early 19th century. A damaged crown belonging to Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III, was discovered discarded near the museum, apparently dropped by the thieves during their escape. The crown, fashioned from gold, emeralds, and diamonds, symbolises the rich heritage of French royalty.
The Louvre Palace, originating from the 12th century, was once the home to French monarchs before Louis XIV relocated the royal court to Versailles. Following the French Revolution, the palace was converted into a public museum in 1793, showcasing an extensive collection of priceless artworks and historical objects. Last year, the museum welcomed approximately 8.7 million visitors. It houses internationally renowned masterpieces including Mona Lisa and Vénus de Milo.
This audacious theft has underlined vulnerabilities in museum security worldwide and is expected to prompt a reassessment of protective measures safeguarding cultural treasures. French police continue to pursue leads in the hunt for the stolen jewels and any accomplices involved in the brazen crime.