Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the recent jewelry heist at the Louvre, according to reports from the Paris prosecutor’s office. The arrests occurred as one of the suspects was about to board a flight to Algeria from Charles de Gaulle Airport. Both men, in their 30s and from the Seine-Saint-Denis suburb, have prior encounters with local law enforcement.
While the arrests are a significant step, there is currently no indication that any of the stolen crown jewels have been recovered. Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau expressed concerns about potential leaks regarding the investigation, which could hinder the ongoing efforts of approximately 100 investigators dedicated to the case.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez, under public scrutiny following the brazen robbery, praised the investigators’ hard work in a tweet after a week without resolution. The audacious theft took place on October 19, when four masked thieves used a crane to break into the museum and escape on motorbikes with eight valuable items estimated to be worth around $102 million.
Among the stolen treasures are a tiara and earring belonging to Queen Marie-Amélie, as well as items from the jewelry collection of Queen Hortense from the early 19th century. Notably, a crown owned by Empress Eugenie, which features gold, emeralds, and diamonds, was found damaged outside the museum, likely dropped by the thieves during their getaway.
This incident has sparked a national debate about security measures at one of the world’s most renowned museums, emphasizing the vulnerabilities faced even by prominent cultural institutions. The Louvre, which has been welcoming millions of visitors since it became a museum in 1793, is now at the forefront of discussions regarding the protection of cultural heritage.
In light of the recent arrests, there is renewed hope that the stolen jewels may still be recovered and that the lessons learned from this incident will inspire improved security protocols, ensuring better safeguards for valuable cultural artifacts in the future.