UPDATE: Two French nationals have been arrested in connection with the audacious Louvre Museum jewel heist that occurred on October 19, 2025, as authorities ramp up efforts to locate additional suspects still at large. The Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau expressed deep concern that the “hasty disclosure” of arrest details could severely compromise the ongoing investigation.
In a statement released Sunday night, Beccuau emphasized, “I deeply regret the hasty disclosure of this information by informed individuals, without consideration of the investigation.” She warned that this revelation could hinder the efforts of approximately 100 investigators working diligently to recover stolen items valued at an estimated $102 million.
The two suspects, both in their 30s from Seine-Saint-Denis, were apprehended over the weekend. One was arrested at 10 p.m. Saturday at Charles de Gaulle Airport while attempting to board a flight to Algeria. The second suspect was caught just before traveling to Mali, according to sources within the French National Police.
Both men, whose identities remain undisclosed, are known to law enforcement from previous burglary cases. One suspect holds dual citizenship in France and Mali, while the other has dual citizenship in France and Algeria. Investigators believe both played significant roles in the elaborate robbery, which involved the theft of eight priceless pieces of jewelry, including crowns and necklaces adorned with thousands of diamonds and precious gemstones.
The heist, described as highly organized, saw thieves using a stolen truck equipped with a “mobile freight elevator” to gain access to the museum. Dressed as construction workers, they used angle grinders to break into the Apollo Gallery, where they expertly cut through glass cases to seize the jewels.
Among the stolen items is a pearl and diamond tiara commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III in 1853, composed of 212 pearls and nearly 2,000 diamonds. Also taken was another tiara made of sapphires and over 1,000 diamonds, along with a crown belonging to Empress Eugenie that was damaged during the theft.
French Culture Minister Rachida Dati called the heist “very organized and very professional,” highlighting a critical security flaw: the museum’s perimeter security has long been underfunded and outdated. During a Senate Culture Committee meeting, Laurence des Cars, president and director of the Louvre, described the incident as “an immense wound that has been inflicted on us.”
As the investigation progresses, Beccuau stated, “It is too early to provide any further details,” promising more information at the conclusion of the initial custody phase, which lasts 96 hours under French law.
WHAT’S NEXT: Authorities are intensifying the manhunt for remaining suspects, while scrutiny over museum security measures continues to mount. This urgent situation remains fluid, and further updates are expected as the investigation unfolds.
Stay tuned for the latest developments on this high-profile case that has captivated global attention and raised serious questions about security at one of the world’s most famous museums.
