Camilla Jessen
Five new suspects have been arrested in connection with the Louvre Museum’s high-profile jewel heist.
Five new suspects have been arrested in connection with the dramatic $100 million jewelry heist at the Louvre Museum, the Paris Prosecutor’s Office confirmed Thursday, October 30.
The arrests took place late Wednesday in Paris and the nearby Seine-Saint-Denis district, nearly two weeks after four thieves carried out a stunning seven-minute robbery in broad daylight at the world-famous museum on October 19.
The stolen jewels — which once belonged to French royalty and include sapphire and emerald sets worn by Queen Marie-Amélie, Queen Hortense, and Empress Eugénie — have not yet been recovered, authorities said.
“I can confirm five new arrests in Paris and Seine-Saint-Denis in connection with the Louvre Museum theft,” a spokesperson told PEOPLE.
According to Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau, the suspects may be held for up to four days before charges are filed.
She noted that the gang responsible could be larger than the four suspects seen on CCTV.
Earlier arrests linked to attempted escape
The five latest arrests follow the detention of two men on October 25, both of whom have now been charged with organized robbery and conspiracy to commit a crime, per ABC News.
One of the suspects was arrested at Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle Airport as he allegedly attempted to flee to Algeria. The second was caught later that night in Paris.
Investigators say the Paris Banditry Repression Brigade (BRB) and the Central Office for the Fight against Trafficking in Cultural Goods (OCBC) are leading the probe.
DNA evidence reportedly placed one of the men at the scene, suggesting he was part of the four-man team that used chainsaws and angle grinders to break into a secured room inside the museum.
Two of the robbers wore yellow vests to pose as workers, while two others escaped on scooters, according to surveillance footage.
Royal jewels still missing
Among the stolen items were:
- A sapphire tiara, necklace, and single earring worn by Queen Marie-Amélie
- A reliquary brooch associated with Queen Hortense
- An emerald necklace and earrings worn by Marie-Louise, wife of Napoleon
- A tiara and brooch that belonged to Empress Eugénie
One of the tiaras was reportedly found damaged near the museum, according to Reuters.
In response to the theft, the Louvre has since transferred several high-value items to a secure Bank of France vault, located 85 feet underground in central Paris, BBC News reported.
The investigation remains active as authorities continue the search for the missing royal jewels, which remain valued at more than €88 million.
This article is made and published by Camilla Jessen, who may have used AI in the preparation
