Crown Jewel Theft at Louvre: Five More Suspects Arrested

Paris Public Prosecutor Laure Beccuoi stated that among the newly arrested individuals, one has been identified as the “prime suspect.” According to French media AFP and RTL Radio, simultaneous raids were conducted across different areas of Paris on Wednesday night to apprehend the suspects.

On the morning of 19 October, a group of thieves broke through a window on the upper floor of the Apollo Gallery in the Louvre Museum, one of the world’s most famous museums, and stole eight priceless pieces of jewelry in just four minutes. The incident sent shockwaves throughout the art world.

The stolen items included 19th-century tiaras, necklaces, earrings, and a brooch that belonged to French Emperor Napoleon I and the wives of Napoleon III. None of the stolen jewelry has been recovered so far.

Initial investigations suggested that at least four people were involved in the theft. Last Saturday, a 34-year-old Algerian and a 39-year-old man were arrested in the northern Paris suburb of Aubervilliers. They are facing charges of organized theft and criminal conspiracy, punishable by up to 15 and 10 years in prison, respectively. Both have partially admitted to the charges, according to Prosecutor Beccuoi.

Among the stolen items was a pearl-studded tiara once worn by French Empress Eugénie, considered one of the Louvre’s most historic treasures.

Last week, appearing before the French Senate, the Louvre Museum director admitted, “The museum’s security team failed to detect the thieves’ entry in time.”

He also stated that the total value of the stolen jewelry is approximately €88 million (around $102 million). The director said, “This is a catastrophic failure in the history of the Louvre, and I take responsibility myself.” He added that although he submitted his resignation to the Minister of Culture, the minister refused to accept it.