Louvre Jewel Heist Suspects Arrested in Paris/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ French police have arrested two suspects linked to the daring $102 million crown jewel theft from Paris’ Louvre museum. One suspect was caught attempting to flee the country, while investigators continue efforts to recover the missing artifacts. The audacious heist, executed in under eight minutes, shocked the world and ignited a major international investigation.
Louvre Jewel Theft Investigation: Quick Looks
- Two suspects arrested in connection with the $102M Louvre heist
- One suspect caught at Charles de Gaulle Airport attempting to flee
- Arrests made by elite armed robbery and art theft unit
- Investigators analyzed over 150 DNA samples from the scene
- Thieves stole historic crown jewels tied to French royalty
- One piece recovered: Eugénie’s emerald crown, damaged but repairable
- Louvre museum director calls incident a “terrible failure”
- Interior Minister praises tireless efforts of investigators
- Public remains hopeful for recovery of remaining stolen items
Deep Look
Louvre Jewel Heist Suspects Arrested as Paris Police Close in on $102 Million Theft
PARIS (AP) — French authorities have arrested two suspects in connection with the daring theft of crown jewels from the Louvre Museum in Paris — a crime that stunned the art world and triggered an international manhunt. The arrests come just one week after the high-profile heist, during which thieves stole royal artifacts worth an estimated €88 million ($102 million) in less than eight minutes.
According to the Paris prosecutor’s office, the arrests were carried out Saturday evening, with one suspect taken into custody while attempting to board a flight to Algeria at Charles de Gaulle Airport. While prosecutor Laure Beccuau did not disclose the number of individuals arrested, police sources confirmed to the Associated Press that two men in their 30s, both known to law enforcement, were apprehended.
One of the suspects was reportedly identified through DNA traces recovered at the crime scene. Forensic experts had been analyzing over 150 samples following the robbery, which occurred early Sunday morning the previous week. The suspects can be held in police custody for up to 96 hours as investigators build their case.
The Heist: A Daring Operation
The theft shocked the world not only for the value of the jewels stolen, but for its execution. Thieves reportedly used a basket lift to scale the Louvre’s historic façade, forced open a window, smashed display cases, and escaped — all in under eight minutes. Surveillance footage and security failures are still being reviewed by authorities.
“It was a terrible failure,” said the Louvre museum’s director, underscoring the magnitude of the breach.
The Louvre, the most visited museum in the world, reopened just days later, but the incident has left a deep scar in France’s cultural consciousness — one some have likened to the tragic Notre Dame Cathedral fire in 2019.
Royal Treasures Lost
The thieves made off with eight priceless objects, all connected to French royalty from the 19th century:
- A sapphire diadem, necklace, and a single earring linked to Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense
- An emerald necklace and earrings belonging to Empress Marie-Louise, Napoleon Bonaparte’s second wife
- A reliquary brooch
- A diamond diadem and corsage-bow brooch from Empress Eugénie, admired for their rare imperial craftsmanship
One of the most iconic pieces — Empress Eugénie’s emerald-set imperial crown, adorned with over 1,300 diamonds — was later found outside the museum, damaged but repairable.
Investigation Continues
The arrests were made by a specialized police unit focused on armed robberies, serious burglaries, and art thefts. Paris prosecutor Beccuau expressed frustration over leaks to the media, warning that premature disclosures could undermine the efforts of more than 100 investigators working tirelessly to retrieve the stolen items and apprehend additional suspects.
“Further details will be shared once the custody period concludes,” Beccuau added in her statement.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez applauded the police’s swift action:
“The investigators have worked tirelessly, just as I asked them to. They’ve always had my full confidence.”
Public Reaction
News of the arrests brought a sense of relief to Parisians and tourists visiting the Louvre.
“It’s important for our heritage,” said Freddy Jacquemet, a museum visitor. “It does feel a bit late, but it was important they were caught.”
Others remain focused on recovering the missing pieces.
“I think the main thing now is whether they can recover the jewels,” added Diana Ramirez. “That’s what really matters.”
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