A man arrested in Paris is believed to be the fourth member of the gang responsible for the audacious theft of France’s crown jewels from the Louvre Museum. The arrest occurred earlier this week, and the Paris prosecutor, Laure Beccuau, confirmed the suspect’s involvement in the highly publicized heist that took place on October 19, 2023.
The 39-year-old suspect has a criminal history, including six prior convictions. He now faces preliminary charges of robbery by an organized gang, which could result in a sentence of up to 15 years, and criminal conspiracy, carrying a potential 10-year sentence. The prosecutor’s office is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the theft and the suspect’s specific role.
The robbery, which occurred in broad daylight, has been described as a meticulously planned operation. The thieves managed to steal items valued at approximately $102 million, excluding their immense historical significance. The stolen treasures included a diamond-and-emerald necklace gifted by Napoleon to Empress Marie-Louise, along with jewels associated with 19th-century queens and Empress Eugénie‘s pearl-and-diamond tiara.
Details of the Heist
According to the prosecutor’s statement, the operation involved a four-person team. Two individuals broke into the museum’s Apollo Gallery, where the jewels were displayed, while their accomplices waited outside on motorbikes. The thieves executed the heist in less than eight minutes, employing angle grinders to cut through jewelry display cases and utilizing a freight lift to gain access to the museum’s windows.
Surveillance footage captured the two men as they entered the Apollo Gallery, donning bright vests to blend in with museum staff. Remarkably, the thieves left without triggering alarms, showcasing their sophisticated planning and execution.
While some items remain missing, the emerald-set imperial crown belonging to Empress Eugénie, which contains over 1,300 diamonds, was located outside the museum shortly after the theft. The investigation continues as authorities work to recover the remaining stolen artifacts and determine the full extent of the criminal operation.
The Louvre Museum, renowned as the world’s most-visited museum, has not yet released a statement regarding the incident. The high-profile nature of the theft has drawn significant media attention and raised questions about security measures in place at one of France’s most iconic cultural institutions. As authorities progress in their investigation, the focus remains on apprehending all individuals involved in this brazen act.
