Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the recent jewel heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris. Reports from French media indicate that one suspect was apprehended while attempting to board a flight at Charles de Gaulle Airport. The incident took place last Sunday, when a group of four thieves executed a brazen theft, making off with items valued at approximately €88 million.
Details of the Louvre Jewel Heist
The theft occurred in broad daylight, with the thieves using power tools to breach the museum’s security. They gained access to the Galerie d’Apollon via a balcony near the River Seine. Surveillance footage indicates they arrived shortly after the museum opened, at around 09:30 local time.
Suspects and Arrests
- Arrests made on Saturday evening.
- One suspect was heading to Algeria, while the other was en route to Mali.
- French police can hold suspects for up to 96 hours for questioning.
DNA evidence collected at the scene facilitated the identification of one of the suspects. Thieves left behind gloves and a high-visibility jacket at the site. Notably, they abandoned a crown that once belonged to Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III, during their escape.
Security Failures
The Paris prosecutor highlighted lapses in security protocols, noting the museum’s “terrible image” following the incident. A preliminary report revealed that one-third of the rooms in the targeted area lacked CCTV coverage. Moreover, crucial cameras failed to monitor the specific entry point used by the thieves.
Aftermath and Recovery Efforts
The museum’s director acknowledged that the existing security systems were insufficient during the heist. Following the incident, security measures at cultural institutions across France have been tightened significantly. In a proactive move, the Louvre has transferred its most valuable jewels to the Bank of France for maximum security.
Items Stolen
- Tiara worn by Empress Eugenie
- Marie-Louise necklace
- A pair of earrings
- Other precious jewels
Experts warn that the stolen jewels may now be fragmented, making them hard to trace. Gold and silver can be easily melted down, while gems can be divided into smaller stones. Such actions could potentially hinder recovery efforts significantly.
As investigations continue, the Paris prosecutor’s office is focused on locating the stolen items and apprehending all individuals involved in the heist. The audacious nature of the theft has sparked widespread concern regarding the security of cultural institutions worldwide.
