Louvre Heist Arrests: Two Suspects Held in $102 Million Jewel Theft

French police have made a major breakthrough in the audacious Louvre museum jewel heist. Authorities arrested two suspects on Saturday in connection with the multi-million dollar robbery. The arrests occurred in the Paris area, signaling significant progress in the high-profile investigation.

According to the Associated Press, a Paris prosecutor confirmed several suspects were taken into custody. The theft involved priceless crown jewels, capturing global attention for its brazen execution.

Details of the Apprehension and Investigation

One suspect was apprehended at Charles de Gaulle airport. Reports from Le Parisien indicate he was attempting to leave the country. The second individual was arrested later in the Seine-Saint-Denis suburb north of Paris.

Both men are believed to be around 30 years old. They are suspected of being part of a four-member gang. The group carried out the robbery in just seven minutes.

The thieves used a stolen movers’ truck with an extendable ladder. They accessed a first-floor gallery on the Seine-facing side of the building. A basket lift was used to scale the museum’s exterior.

The Cinematic Heist and Its Aftermath

Investigators said the robbers broke open a window and smashed two display cases. They escaped on motorcycles within minutes, evading security. Alarms blared, but the thieves had already vanished.

During their escape, a diamond-and-emerald-studded crown was dropped. However, eight other pieces were successfully stolen. This included an emerald-and-diamond necklace once given by Napoleon Bonaparte to his wife.

The total value of the stolen jewels is approximately $102 million. The heist’s theatrical nature has been widely noted. Experts and the public have likened the operation to a scene from a movie.

The recovery of the stolen artifacts remains a top priority for investigators. The arrests mark the most significant development since the robbery occurred. International art crime units are likely assisting in the ongoing probe.

This development in the Louvre heist arrests provides hope for recovering the stolen national treasures. The investigation continues as authorities pursue the remaining suspects and the missing jewels.

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What was stolen in the Louvre heist?

Thieves stole eight pieces of jewelry valued at around $102 million. This included an emerald-and-diamond necklace gifted by Napoleon to his wife. A diamond-and-emerald crown was dropped during the escape.

How did the thieves break into the Louvre?

They used a stolen movers’ truck with an extendable ladder. The gang scaled the Seine-facing side of the building using a basket lift. They broke a window and smashed display cases to access the jewels.

Were all the stolen jewels recovered?

No, most of the stolen jewels remain missing. Only the crown that was dropped during the escape has been recovered. The search for the other eight pieces continues.

How long did the Louvre heist take?

The entire robbery was completed in just seven minutes. The thieves entered, smashed cases, and escaped on motorcycles. Security arrived after they had already vanished.

Are more arrests expected in this case?

Yes, authorities believe at least two more suspects are involved. The investigation is ongoing as police pursue the remaining gang members. International cooperation may be required to locate all individuals.