Link to French police have arrested two suspects linked to the daylight robbery of royal jewels from the Louvre Museum, as officials admit major security failures and scramble to recover the priceless artifactsFrench police have arrested two suspects linked to the daylight robbery of royal jewels from the Louvre Museum, as officials admit major security failures and scramble to recover the priceless artifacts
Two men have been arrested in connection with last week’s dramatic jewel theft at the Louvre Museum in Paris, in which crown jewels worth an estimated €88 million were stolen in broad daylight. French authorities confirmed the arrests over the weekend, as fresh details emerged about the audacious operation that has left the world’s most-visited museum reeling.
One suspect was apprehended at Charles de Gaulle Airport as he was about to board a flight to Algeria, while the other is believed to have been preparing to flee to Mali. French media report that DNA evidence found at the scene, including from gloves and a high-visibility jacket left behind, helped police identify at least one of the individuals.
The suspects were detained on Saturday evening, and under French law, specialist investigators may question them for up to 96 hours. Authorities are yet to confirm whether any of the stolen jewels have been recovered.
Heist in Broad Daylight
The robbery took place on Sunday morning, shortly after the museum opened to the public. At approximately 09:30 local time, four thieves arrived with a vehicle-mounted mechanical lift and gained access to the Galerie d’Apollon — home to the museum's most valuable historical jewels — via a first-floor balcony overlooking the River Seine.
Using power tools, the thieves broke through a window and smashed two display cases. They threatened museum security guards, who were forced to evacuate visitors, and within four minutes, the gang fled the scene on two scooterswaiting nearby.
Among the eight stolen items were the Marie-Louise necklace, a pair of diamond earrings, and the diamond-and-pearl tiara once worn by Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III. One of the crown pieces, reportedly dropped during the heist, was later recovered.
Serious Security Failures
A preliminary investigation has revealed shocking lapses in the Louvre’s security systems. One in three rooms in the targeted section had no CCTV coverage, and the only exterior camera facing the balcony entry point was angled awayat the time of the break-in.
Louvre director Laurence des Cars, speaking before the French Senate this week, admitted that aging perimeter cameras had made it harder for staff to respond in time. The robbery has led to widespread criticism of France’s cultural security infrastructure, with Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti acknowledging a “failure of protocol” that damaged the country’s image.
Jewels May Be Lost Forever
Art crime experts warn that the stolen items may already be broken up or melted down, making recovery nearly impossible. “These pieces could be dismantled into hundreds of stones and smuggled globally,” said Dutch art detective Arthur Brand. “They may never be traced back to this heist.”
In response, the Louvre has transferred many of its remaining high-value jewels to the Bank of France, where they will be kept in a secure vault located 26 meters underground in central Paris.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities continue the search for the other suspects and the missing jewels.
(Associated Medias) - Tutti i diritti sono riservati(Associated Medias) - Tutti i diritti sono riservati