French authorities have arrested two men in connection with the daring theft of France’s Crown Jewels from the Louvre Museum in Paris, the Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed on Wednesday. Both suspects have reportedly confessed to their roles in the October 19 heist and have been remanded in custody.
According to Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau, the stolen jewels—valued at €88 million ($102 million)—have not yet been recovered. The suspects, both French nationals, were arrested on Saturday after an extensive four-day interrogation. One, aged 34, holds Algerian nationality, while the other, 39, from Aubervilliers, was previously known to police for aggravated theft. He worked as an illegal taxi and delivery driver.
One suspect was captured at Charles de Gaulle Airport while attempting to board a flight to Algeria. Authorities say over 100 investigators were involved in tracking the group, analyzing 150 DNA samples and examining key evidence, including gloves, helmets, and high-visibility jackets left at the scene.
The seven-minute daylight raid targeted the Apollo Gallery, home to France’s Crown Jewels. The thieves used a truck-mounted ladder to access the windowed gallery and broke into two display cases, stealing nine priceless pieces, including a Napoleon-era emerald necklace and jewelry worn by Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense.
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