Paris Prosecutor: Petty Criminals Behind Louvre Jewelry Heist

Authorities in Paris have revealed that a recent jewelry heist at the Louvre museum was executed by petty criminals, not a professional crime syndicate. This information came from Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau during an interview with Franceinfo radio.

Details of the Louvre Jewelry Heist

The theft occurred on October 19, resulting in the loss of jewels valued at €88 million (approximately $102 million). Among the stolen items were a tiara once worn by Empress Eugenie and a Marie-Louise necklace.

Suspects and Arrests

• Four individuals have been arrested, consisting of three men and one woman.
• The suspects are residents of Seine-Saint-Denis, a region just north of Paris known for its socioeconomic challenges.
• Two of the male suspects had prior theft convictions.
• Charges include:
  • Complicity in organized theft
  • Criminal conspiracy

Despite denying their involvement, the suspects include a couple who reportedly have children together. Additionally, two other men have been charged after they partially acknowledged their role in the crime. One suspect remains at large.

How the Heist Took Place

The theft took place just after the Louvre opened for visitors at 9:30 AM local time. The assailants utilized a stolen vehicle-mounted mechanical lift to access the Galerie d’Apollon. Once inside, they used a disc cutter to break open display cases and were in and out within four minutes.

• The suspects escaped on scooters waiting outside at 9:38 AM.
• One item, a crown, was lost during the getaway.
• Seven pieces of jewelry remain missing and are feared to have been smuggled out of the country.

Increased Security Measures

In response to this high-profile theft, security protocols at cultural institutions across France have been enhanced. The Louvre has also transferred some of its most valuable jewels to the Bank of France for safekeeping.

The investigation is ongoing, and while the recovery of the stolen jewels seems uncertain, the prosecutor holds hope that they may still be retrieved intact.