Who Were the Two Arrested in the €88 Million Louvre Museum Jewel Heist?
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Synopsis
In a shocking twist, French police have apprehended two suspects linked to the audacious theft of crown jewels valued at €88 million from the Louvre museum. This article delves into the details of the heist, the arrests, and the ongoing investigation, shedding light on the vulnerabilities in security protocols at one of the world's most famous museums.
Key Takeaways
- The Louvre museum was targeted in a daylight heist.
- Valuable items worth €88 million were stolen.
- Two suspects were arrested, with connections to Algeria and Mali.
- Security measures at the museum have been criticized as inadequate.
- Some jewels have been relocated to the Bank of France for enhanced security.
Paris, Oct 27 (NationPress) French authorities have detained two individuals linked to the theft of valuable crown jewels, estimated at 88 million euros, from the Louvre museum in Paris, according to official reports, just a week following one of the most remarkable heists in the nation's recent history.
The Paris Prosecutor's office confirmed on Sunday that one suspect was apprehended around 10 p.m. local time on Saturday while attempting to board a flight at Charles de Gaulle Airport.
In a statement, the Paris Prosecutor's office disclosed that arrests occurred on Saturday evening, but did not specify the total number detained.
Prosecutor Laure Beccuau refrained from revealing the number of arrests or whether any jewels had been recovered; however, sources close to the investigation informed French media that a second suspect was also in custody within the Paris area.
According to police reports, one suspect was en route to Algeria, while the other was reportedly heading to Mali, as per a BBC report.
Items valued at €88 million (£76 million; $102 million) were stolen from the world’s most-visited museum last Sunday, when four robbers broke in using power tools in broad daylight.
Under French regulations, individuals suspected of serious offenses can be held for up to 96 hours before formal charges are filed.
France’s Justice Minister, Gerard Darmanin, acknowledged that security measures had “failed,” negatively impacting the country’s image.
Reports from French media on Sunday indicated that DNA evidence collected at the crime scene facilitated the identification of one of the suspects.
The thieves left behind several items, including gloves and a high-visibility jacket.
It’s been reported that they abandoned a crown previously owned by Empress Eugenie, the spouse of Napoleon III.
The Paris Prosecutor criticized the “premature disclosure” of case details, stating that it obstructed the recovery of the jewels and the apprehension of the thieves.
The criminals reportedly struck at 9:30 (08:30 GMT), soon after the museum opened its doors.
The suspects utilized a vehicle-mounted mechanical lift to access the Galerie d'Apollon (Gallery of Apollo) via a balcony near the River Seine.
Images from the scene depicted a ladder leading to a first-floor window.
Two of the thieves entered by cutting through the window using power tools.
They threatened museum guards, prompting an evacuation, before breaking into two display cases containing jewels.
A preliminary investigation revealed that one-third of the rooms in the area targeted lacked CCTV cameras, as reported by French media.
According to French authorities, the thieves spent approximately four minutes inside before making their getaway on two scooters, escaping at 9:38.
Laurence des Cars, the museum’s director, informed French Senators that the only camera monitoring the Louvre’s exterior wall where the entry occurred was facing away from the balcony leading to the Gallery of Apollo.
CCTV coverage around the perimeter was described as inadequate and “aging,” des Cars stated, which resulted in staff failing to detect the gang in time to prevent the robbery.
Experts have raised concerns that the jewels may have already been dismantled into numerous pieces.
In response, security measures have been enhanced across France’s cultural institutions.
The Louvre has relocated some of its most treasured jewels to the Bank of France, where they will be securely stored in the Bank's vault, situated 26 meters (85 feet) below ground level in its elegant headquarters in central Paris.
Point of View
I believe that the recent jewel heist at the Louvre Museum underscores critical weaknesses in security protocols at cultural institutions. The arrests are a step towards justice, but they also highlight the need for comprehensive reforms to prevent such incidents in the future. It’s imperative that we enhance our protective measures to safeguard our cultural heritage.
NationPress
27/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during the Louvre museum heist?
Four thieves broke into the Louvre museum in broad daylight, stealing jewels valued at €88 million using power tools.
How were the suspects apprehended?
Two suspects were arrested by French police, one at Charles de Gaulle Airport while preparing to board a flight.
What have authorities said about the security measures?
French officials acknowledged that security protocols failed, leading to a critical review of safety measures at cultural sites.
What valuables were stolen?
The thieves stole crown jewels, including a crown that belonged to Empress Eugenie, worth an estimated €88 million.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The investigation is ongoing, with DNA evidence leading to the identification of one suspect, and security has been tightened at cultural institutions.
