Prosecutor Outraged by Leak of Louvre Heist Gang Arrests
In a notable incident at the Louvre museum in Paris, two men were arrested linked to a recent heist. The robbery resulted in the theft of invaluable jewellery, including pieces from the French crown jewels. French public prosecutor Laure Beccuau expressed her discontent over the premature announcement of the arrests, which she believed jeopardized the ongoing investigation.
Details Surrounding the Louvre Heist
Beccuau criticized the “hasty disclosure” of details and highlighted that it could impede the work of approximately one hundred investigators tasked with recovering the stolen items and apprehending all suspects involved. She confirmed that one suspect was captured while attempting to leave from Charles de Gaulle Airport. A second suspect was apprehended in the surrounding Paris region on the same night.
Investigation and Arrests
While the prosecutor refrained from discussing whether any stolen jewels had been recovered, reports indicate that both men hail from Seine-Saint-Denis, a northern suburb of Paris. The arrests followed a thorough investigation during which authorities monitored the suspects for days. One of the arrested individuals was reportedly set to board a flight to Algeria.
- Prosecutor: Laure Beccuau
- Number of suspects arrested: 2
- Location of arrest: Charles de Gaulle Airport and Paris region
- Initial theft value: £76 million
- Time taken to execute the heist: less than 8 minutes
- Estimated visitors to the Louvre daily: 30,000
Details of the Crime
The suspects are currently in pre-trial detention as investigations continue into organized theft and criminal conspiracy. They are alleged to be part of a gang that utilized a cherry picker to access the Apollo Gallery. Within roughly eight minutes, they smashed display cases and escaped with eight priceless items, including luxurious sapphire and emerald necklaces, along with a diamond brooch featuring 2,438 diamonds. A notable item, the emerald crown belonging to Napoleon III’s wife, Empress Eugenie, was also stolen but later found, albeit damaged.
Aftermath of the Heist
Following the robbery, the Louvre was temporarily closed, leading to widespread media coverage. France’s interior minister, Laurent Nunez, commended the investigative team’s efforts, emphasizing the importance of continuing the inquiry with respect for confidentiality. The museum has since reopened to its patrons.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities remain focused on piecing together the details of this high-profile theft while ensuring the safety and integrity of their ongoing operations.
