Two individuals allegedly involved in the Louvre jewelry theft have reportedly admitted their involvement to some extent, according to a Paris prosecutor. Laure Beccuau disclosed during a press briefing that the pair is facing initial charges related to theft by an organized group and criminal conspiracy.
The burglary, which occurred on October 19 and only took about eight minutes, resulted in the disappearance of jewels valued at approximately $143 million. One suspect, a 34-year-old Algerian residing in France since 2010, was apprehended at Charles de Gaulle airport as he was en route to Algeria without a return ticket. The man, who resided in Aubervilliers in Paris’s northern suburb, had a record with law enforcement primarily for traffic violations.
The second suspect, aged 39, was arrested at his residence in Aubervilliers. Beccuau stated that there was no indication of his intention to leave the country. This individual was previously known to authorities for multiple thefts, and his DNA was discovered on one of the glass cases from which the jewels were taken and on items abandoned by the thieves.
Prosecutors faced a deadline on Wednesday to either charge the suspects, release them, or seek an extension from a judge. As of now, the stolen jewels remain unrecovered, and Beccuau emphasized that the items are unsellable, cautioning that acquiring them would constitute handling stolen property.
French police acknowledged deficiencies in the Louvre’s security systems, highlighting the need for enhancements to safeguard national treasures effectively. Paris Police Chief Patrice Faure addressed lawmakers, pointing out technological shortcomings and delays in security network upgrades, which are not expected to be completed until 2029–2030.
The initial alert to law enforcement about the jewelry heist came from a passerby who observed suspicious activity outside the Louvre, not from the museum’s security systems. Faure also mentioned that the stolen jewels were not privately insured, as the French state self-insures national museums, leading to significant financial losses for the Louvre.
Amid calls for immediate solutions, Faure opposed the idea of permanent police presence within the museum, advocating for improved alert mechanisms instead. The theft incident has sparked discussions about enhancing security measures and protecting valuable cultural assets in France.