In a significant development, French authorities have apprehended two men in connection with the recent high-profile jewel heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris. The French National Police confirmed the arrests to ABC News, coinciding with a nationwide manhunt for the individuals behind this audacious crime. One suspect was taken into custody on Saturday night at 10 p.m. at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport while attempting to board a flight to Algeria. Details regarding the second arrest remain undisclosed.
Both suspects are believed to be part of a team implicated in the theft that occurred at the Louvre on October 19, shortly after the museum opened its doors to visitors. According to police reports, the stolen jewels are estimated to be worth an astounding $102 million, as stated by Paris Public Prosecutor Laure Beccuau. The suspects hail from Seine Saint Denis, a northeastern suburb of Paris, and authorities are continuing to investigate the whereabouts of the stolen items.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez publicly commended the investigative efforts of the police in a social media post, expressing his gratitude for their relentless work. “I would like to offer my warmest congratulations to the investigators who worked tirelessly and who always had my full confidence,” he stated. Nuñez emphasized that the investigations would persist under the authority of the specialized interregional court of the Paris Public Prosecutor's Office, promising that the authorities would maintain their determination in the case.
The daring heist took place in the museum's Apollo Gallery, where the thieves executed a well-planned operation. They arrived at the museum in what police described as a mobile freight elevator, complete with a metal ladder extending to a window. The team secured the area using construction cones before gaining access to the second floor by breaking a window with an angle grinder. Once inside, they smashed two display cases containing the ‘Napoleon jewels’ and ‘French crown jewels,’ making off with numerous high-value pieces.
In response to the theft, French President Emmanuel Macron vowed that those responsible would be held accountable. He referred to the heist as an attack on a heritage that is deeply cherished, as it represents a significant part of French history. Additionally, French Culture Minister Rachida Dati, who is overseeing the investigation along with the Justice Ministry, described the heist as a "simple, but spectacular operation."
Following the theft, investigators reported that the suspects fled the scene on two motorbikes, maneuvering through central Paris before being last seen heading southeast on Highway A6 towards Lyon. As the investigation continues, authorities remain committed to recovering the stolen jewels and bringing the culprits to justice. ABC News reporters Aicha Elhammar and Somayeh Malekian contributed valuable insights to this ongoing story.
