Nearly a week after a spectacular daylight heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris, French authorities have arrested two suspects believed to be involved in the theft of priceless jewelry estimated at €88 million (about $95 million).
The arrests were confirmed by Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau on Saturday, October 25. One suspect, a French national, and another holding dual French-Algerian citizenship were detained separately — one in Seine-Saint-Denis, a northern Paris suburb, and the other at Roissy–Charles de Gaulle Airport as he allegedly attempted to board a flight to Algeria.
Traces That Led to Their Capture
The suspects, both around 30 years old, were already known to police for highly sophisticated thefts. Authorities said they are being held on charges of organized robbery and criminal conspiracy, which allow for detention of up to 96 hours.
Investigators from the Robbery Suppression Brigade (BRB) and the Central Office for Combating the Illegal Trade of Cultural Goods identified the men after collecting more than 150 DNA and fingerprint samples from the scene. Among the items recovered were gloves, helmets, power tools, a yellow vest, and a walkie-talkie.
Surveillance footage from public and private cameras helped trace the suspects’ movements across Paris and nearby regions.
The Heist: Precision in Broad Daylight
The robbery took place around 9:30 a.m., shortly after the Louvre opened to visitors. Four masked thieves used a truck equipped with a hydraulic lift to reach a second-floor balcony overlooking the Seine. They broke a window using electric tools, smashed glass display cases, and made off with the jewels in minutes.
Stolen Jewels Still Missing
While the arrests mark major progress, the stolen pieces remain missing. Only one item — the damaged crown of Empress Eugénie — has been recovered.
Minister Nuñez expressed cautious optimism: “We always end up finding the thieves,” he said. “Unfortunately, the stolen goods are often taken abroad. I hope that’s not the case this time.”
Authorities fear the precious stones could be removed and the jewelry melted down, making recovery difficult. The investigation continues as police search for additional accomplices and the missing treasure.
