The Paris prosecutor announced on Sunday that several suspects have been arrested in connection with the shocking theft of crown jewels from the iconic Louvre Museum. This announcement comes just a week after the audacious heist that captivated the world. According to the prosecutor, arrests were made on Saturday evening, with one of the individuals reportedly attempting to flee the country from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.
French media outlets, including BFM TV and Le Parisien, reported that two suspects were taken into custody. However, Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau did not confirm the exact number of arrests nor did she provide any updates on whether any of the stolen jewels had been recovered. The investigation continues to unfold as authorities work to piece together the details of this high-profile case.
The theft, which occurred last Sunday morning, took less than eight minutes, resulting in the loss of jewels valued at approximately €88 million ($102 million). French officials detailed how the intruders utilized a basket lift to ascend the Louvre's façade. They forcibly opened a window, smashed display cases, and managed to escape with several priceless items. The museum's director characterized the incident as a "terrible failure" in security.
Investigators from a specialized police unit, which focuses on armed robberies, serious burglaries, and art theft, were responsible for the arrests. In her statement, Beccuau expressed concern about the premature leak of information that could potentially disrupt the work of over 100 investigators dedicated to recovering the stolen jewels and apprehending all involved in the crime. Further details regarding the case will be disclosed once the suspects' custody period concludes.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez commended the investigators for their relentless efforts, stating that they had his full confidence throughout the investigation. The Louvre has since reopened, following one of the most significant museum thefts of the century that shocked art lovers and visitors alike. The audacity and scale of the crime drew comparisons to the devastating fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in 2019.
The thieves made off with eight objects, including a sapphire diadem, a necklace, and a single earring associated with 19th-century queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense. They also stole an emerald necklace and earrings linked to Empress Marie-Louise, Napoleon Bonaparte’s second wife, along with a reliquary brooch. Notably, Empress Eugénie’s diamond diadem and her exquisite corsage-bow brooch, part of an imperial ensemble, were also among the stolen treasures. One significant piece, Eugénie's emerald-set imperial crown adorned with over 1,300 diamonds, was later discovered outside the museum, albeit damaged but still repairable.
The news of the arrests brought a sense of relief to visitors at the Louvre and passersby in the area. Freddy Jacquemet, a museum visitor, emphasized the importance of recovering the nation's cultural heritage. "A week later, it does feel a bit late; we wonder how this could even happen — but it was important that the suspects were caught," he remarked. Diana Ramirez added, "The main thing now is whether they can recover the jewels. That’s what really matters."
As the investigation progresses, the world watches closely to see if the stolen crown jewels will be recovered and if justice will be served for this monumental theft.
