Two more charged in Louvre jewel heist, taking total to four

Paris prosecutor expands probe into $102 million theft of Napoleonic artifacts
Two more charged in Louvre jewel heist, taking total to four
[Tomas Eidsvold/Unsplash]
Updated on
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Paris Public Prosecutor Laure Beccuau announced on Saturday that two additional suspects have been placed under formal investigation for their alleged roles in a recent jewel heist at France's Louvre Museum.

A 37-year-old man, previously known to authorities for theft offenses, faces charges of theft by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy.

He has been held in pre-trial detention pending a hearing in the coming days.

A 38-year-old woman from the northern Paris suburb of La Courneuve has been charged as an accomplice in the organized theft and conspiracy.

Her detention was justified by risks of collusion and potential disturbance to public order.

Both new suspects deny any involvement in the crime.

Five individuals were arrested on Wednesday, October 29, including one identified by DNA at the scene, but three were released without charges.

This brings the total arrests to seven, with four now formally charged.

Earlier Suspects and Heist Details

The two initial suspects, charged last week after partially admitting involvement, include a 34-year-old Algerian national living in France since 2010 and a 39-year-old unlicensed taxi driver.

Both reside in the Aubervilliers suburb and have prior theft records.

The Algerian was apprehended at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport while attempting to board a flight to Algeria, identified by DNA on a getaway scooter.

The second man was arrested near his home, with no evidence of flight plans.

The robbery involved two hooded thieves using a movers' lift to access a second-floor window, smashing cases with power tools, and fleeing on scooters.

Stolen items include an emerald-and-diamond necklace from Napoleon I and a diadem with nearly 2,000 diamonds; a crown was dropped during escape.

The priceless Napoleonic-era jewels remain missing, and investigations continue.

Security Concerns Persist

The Louvre director told the French Senate last week that security failed to detect the thieves promptly.

She called it a "terrible failure," took responsibility, and offered her resignation to Culture Minister Rachida Dati, who rejected it.

The incident has raised global concerns about safeguarding cultural heritage.

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