Louvre Heist: Two Suspects Admit Partial Role in €88m Crown Jewel Theft

Two men arrested in connection with the audacious theft of an estimated €88m (£76m) worth of crown jewels from the Louvre Museum in Paris have “partially admitted” their involvement, according to prosecutors, though the jewels remain unrecovered.

The suspects, arrested on Sunday, are expected to be formally charged with organised theft – carrying a potential 15-year sentence – and criminal conspiracy, punishable by 10 years. Prosecutor Laure Beccuau stated at a press conference today that the stolen jewels “are not in our possession,” but issued a plea for their return, saying, “There is still time to give them back.” The theft, which occurred on October 19th, involved a brazen daytime raid where thieves used a furniture removal truck and climbing equipment to access the Apollo gallery.

The gang of four bypassed security measures, including an unsecured window and glass display cases, to steal eight richly gem-encrusted pieces, including a necklace gifted by Napoleon I to his second wife and a diadem once belonging to Empress Eugénie. The stolen items are considered virtually impossible to sell on the open market, as any purchaser would be committing a crime by handling stolen goods. This incident has prompted a review of security protocols at major cultural institutions worldwide. One suspect, a 34-year-old Algerian national, was apprehended at Charles de Gaulle airport reportedly attempting to flee to Algeria, while the other, a 39-year-old born in Aubervilliers, has prior burglary convictions. Investigators have found the suspects’ DNA on a display case and a scooter used in the escape.

Authorities acknowledge significant security failings at the Louvre, with Paris police chief Patrice Faure telling senators that outdated systems and delayed upgrades contributed to the vulnerability. A planned €80m (£70m) security overhaul isn’t slated for completion until the end of the decade. The museum has already begun transferring some precious jewels to the Bank of France for safekeeping, according to RTL Radio. The investigation, involving 100 officers from France’s BRB organised crime squad and a unit specializing in art and cultural goods, continues, with officials stating there is “plenty of evidence to be examined” and the remaining two suspects remain at large. You can find more information about art theft prevention at the Interpol’s Art and Antiquities Crime Unit.

Prosecutors indicated that investigators are continuing to work to identify the remaining suspects and recover the jewels, and that the possibility of more than four individuals being involved, or of inside assistance, has not been ruled out.