Arrests and Charges Following High-Profile Theft
Two men, aged 34 and 39, arrested on Saturday night as suspects in the daring Louvre Museum heist, were formally charged and imprisoned on Wednesday night, announced the Paris prosecutor’s office.
The Charges
Both men were charged with “organized robbery and conspiracy to commit a crime,” according to the Jurisdicción interregional especializada (Jirs) statement. The charges carry a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison for organized robbery and up to 10 years for conspiracy.
The Heist
On October 19, four men allegedly stole eight crown jewels in a matter of minutes, valued at over 100 million dollars. The suspects are believed to have entered the Apollo gallery to steal these precious items.
No Internal Complicity Confirmed
Prosecutor Laure Beccuau stated that there is currently no evidence of any museum staff complicity. However, she did not rule out the possibility of a wider criminal network involving an “intellectual author” and potential recipients of the stolen goods.
Unrecovered Jewels
Beccuau emphasized that the stolen jewels have not yet been recovered. She expressed hope for their return to the Louvre Museum and, ultimately, to France. She also warned that purchasing these stolen items would constitute complicity in the crime.
Background of Suspects
The 34-year-old suspect, an Algerian national residing in France since 2010, was apprehended at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport while attempting to travel to Algeria without a return ticket to France. He has prior convictions for traffic offenses and theft.
The 39-year-old suspect was arrested near his residence and has a history of aggravated robbery convictions.
Forensic Evidence
Investigators found DNA samples and fingerprints at the crime scene, thanks to items abandoned by the thieves during their escape. These included gloves, a reflective vest, a welding torch, and power tools.
Over 150 samples were analyzed urgently, according to Beccuau.
Modus Operandi
The thieves gained access to the Paris museum using a forklift on a public road, cut through display cases with a disc saw, and fled on two motorcycles driven by accomplices.
- Stolen items include a pearl tiara once owned by Empress Eugénie and a zafir necklace and earrings belonging to Queen Maria Amelia.
- During their escape, the thieves dropped a crown once owned by Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III. Its restoration will be “delicate,” Beccuau noted.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the suspects? Two men, aged 34 and 39, were arrested in Paris suburbs.
- What are they charged with? Organized robbery and conspiracy to commit a crime.
- What jewels were stolen? A pearl tiara once owned by Empress Eugénie and a zafir necklace and earrings belonging to Queen Maria Amelia.
- Are the jewels recovered? No, they remain unrecovered.
- What evidence was found? DNA samples, fingerprints, and abandoned items like gloves and power tools.
- What is the status of the stolen crown? It was dropped during the escape and will require delicate restoration.
