Louvre Museum suspect nabbed after jewel theft
Police arrest two men linked to the daring Louvre Museum jewel heist worth over $100 million as the search continues for others still on the run.
Authorities in Paris have arrested suspects in connection with the daring Louvre Museum jewel theft that stunned the world and left priceless French royal treasures missing. The arrests come just a week after a daylight raid saw thieves flee with an estimated $102 million (€88 million) in jewels from the museum’s Apollo Gallery—one of the most ornate halls in the historic institution.
The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed that police apprehended the suspects, both in their thirties and known to law enforcement, on Saturday evening. According to reports from French media, one of the men was captured at Charles de Gaulle Airport, allegedly while attempting to leave the country.
The seven-minute heist that shocked France
The dramatic robbery took place last weekend in broad daylight, when a group of thieves used a truck-mounted ladder to gain access to the Apollo Gallery, located on the Louvre’s upper floor. Within seven minutes, they broke into two reinforced glass cases and made off with nine precious items, including royal jewels once belonging to Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense.
Among the stolen pieces was a diamond and sapphire jewelry set featuring a tiara and necklace—symbols of France’s royal heritage. Authorities believe the thieves executed the operation with military-like precision, suggesting extensive planning and knowledge of the museum’s layout.
Massive manhunt and ongoing investigation
The French prosecutor Laure Beccuau stated that the ongoing investigation has mobilized more than 100 officers from across France. Despite the recent arrests, at least two additional suspects remain at large. Officials have not confirmed whether any of the stolen jewels have been recovered.
Investigators are also analyzing surveillance footage and communications data to trace the movements of the suspects before and after the heist. Police say the group appeared to have exploited vulnerabilities in the museum’s security—particularly the unguarded access point used to reach the gallery window.
Security lapses under scrutiny
The high-profile crime has reignited public debate about security measures at one of the world’s most visited museums. French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin acknowledged that the incident exposed serious shortcomings in the Louvre’s protection systems. He cited unsecured windows and a lift truck left on a nearby street as examples of preventable oversights.
Following the theft, officials pledged a comprehensive review of museum security protocols, including checks on access routes, alarms, and visitor flow during peak hours. The Louvre’s director, Laurence des Cars, described the heist as a “terrible failure” and promised swift action to restore public confidence.
A calculated operation targeting royal treasures
Authorities say the thieves appeared to have detailed knowledge of the museum’s collection and timing. The Apollo Gallery, home to France’s Crown Jewels, is a popular attraction but also a challenging target because of its surveillance systems and limited access points.
The speed and precision of the operation have drawn comparisons to other major European art thefts. Experts suggest that the stolen jewels could be dismantled or smuggled abroad within weeks, making recovery efforts increasingly difficult. France’s Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez praised investigators for their rapid progress and assured that the search for the remaining culprits would continue “without pause.”
Cultural loss and global attention
The theft has resonated far beyond France’s borders, drawing attention from international art crime units and museum directors worldwide. For Parisians, the heist represents not only a financial blow but a cultural wound—stripping the nation’s most iconic museum of treasures tied to its royal past.
The Louvre, which houses masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, reopened to the public shortly after the theft but closed off the Apollo Gallery for inspection and restoration. Museum officials have not yet confirmed when the gallery will reopen.
As the manhunt continues and police work to trace the missing jewels, the case has reignited global fascination with museum heists—stories where history, art, and crime intertwine under the glittering lights of Paris.
Source: CNN
