French Authorities Arrest Two Men Accused of Stealing $100 Million Crown Jewels in Louvre Heist
French authorities have arrested two men accused of stealing nearly $100 million worth of the country’s crown jewels during a daytime robbery at the Louvre Museum in Paris. The arrests took place Saturday night, less than a week after the high-profile heist that shocked security officials and museum visitors alike.
According to Le Parisien, one suspect—whose name has not been released—was detained at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport while attempting to board a flight to Algeria. The second suspect was arrested later that same evening in Paris. Both men are in their 30s and hail from Seine-Saint-Denis, a suburb north of the capital.
Authorities confirmed that the men were apprehended as part of an investigation into “organized gang robbery” and “conspiracy to commit a crime.” Two additional suspects remain at large, and police have yet to recover the stolen jewels.
### Rapid Arrest Following a Crucial Tip
Investigators received a tip on Saturday indicating that one of the suspects was planning to flee the country. Officers acted swiftly, apprehending him at the airport before he could board his flight.
French police believe the duo are experienced criminals with prior records of theft. It is suspected that they were hired on commission to carry out the brazen robbery.
### Details of the Louvre Heist
The daring robbery occurred last week when four masked individuals, dressed in yellow safety vests and motorcycle helmets, used a cherry picker to gain access to the museum’s Apollo Gallery. Inside, they shattered reinforced glass cases using chainsaws and seized eight priceless pieces from the French Crown Jewels collection.
Witnesses reported that the entire operation lasted less than four minutes before the thieves made their escape.
The stolen items include:
– A sapphire diadem
– A necklace
– An earring set associated with 19th-century Queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense
– Empress Eugénie’s diamond diadem and a large corsage-bow brooch, both renowned for their exceptional historical and artistic value
During their getaway, the suspects attempted to destroy the cherry picker by setting it on fire before fleeing on two scooters parked nearby.
### Partial Recovery and Forensic Evidence
While most of the jewelry remains missing, one item—Eugénie’s emerald-set imperial crown—was found outside the museum. Though damaged, it is considered salvageable.
Investigators have collected substantial forensic evidence at the scene. Police officials reported gathering nearly 150 DNA samples, fingerprints, and hair strands from multiple locations linked to the suspects. Notably, hair believed to belong to one of the thieves was discovered inside a discarded motorcycle helmet near the museum, along with yellow vests matching those worn during the heist.
### Current Status of the Investigation
The two arrested men are being held at police headquarters in Paris, where they can remain in custody for up to 96 hours before formal charges are filed. Authorities have not yet disclosed information about the remaining suspects or the alleged mastermind behind the theft.
In response to the incident, France’s Ministry of Culture has enhanced security measures across major museums and cultural institutions. The remaining Crown Jewels have been transferred from the Louvre to a secure vault managed by the Bank of France.
### Security Concerns and Official Reactions
A preliminary report from France’s Court of Auditors, scheduled for public release in November, revealed that the Louvre’s video surveillance systems were outdated and inconsistent across its galleries. The report also indicated a significant decline in security spending at the museum compared to two decades ago, according to El País.
France’s Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez praised law enforcement for their swift and effective action. Writing on X, he stated:
“I extend my warmest congratulations to the investigators who have worked tirelessly as I requested and who have always had my full confidence. The investigations must continue while respecting the confidentiality of the inquiry under the authority of the specialized interregional jurisdiction of @parquetdeParis. It will be with the same determination!! We keep going!!”
However, Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau criticized the media for revealing details about the arrests, warning that such coverage could undermine the ongoing investigation.
She commented:
“This revelation can only hinder the investigative efforts of the 100 or so mobilised investigators, both in the search for the stolen jewellery and for all the perpetrators. It is too early to provide any specific details.”
### Ongoing Efforts
The investigation remains active as French police continue an international search for the remaining suspects and the missing Crown Jewels. Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward to aid in recovering these invaluable historical treasures.
https://www.lifezette.com/2025/10/french-cops-arrest-louvre-thieves-as-hunt-for-mastermind-expands-watch/
