A man has been arrested in Paris, believed to be the fourth member of the crew responsible for the audacious theft of France’s crown jewels from the Louvre Museum. The arrest occurred earlier this week, and Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau confirmed the news on Friday.
The 39-year-old suspect has a criminal history, including six prior convictions. Following the arrest, he has been charged with robbery by an organized gang, which carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years, as well as criminal conspiracy, which could add another 10 years if he is found guilty. These charges stem from the stunning heist that took place on October 19, 2023, when the thieves made off with an estimated $102 million in jewels, not accounting for their immense historical significance.
The robbery, described as meticulously planned, involved a team of four individuals. Two members broke into the Apollo Gallery, where the jewels were displayed, while two accomplices awaited their escape on motorbikes. The heist unfolded in broad daylight and took less than eight minutes, with the robbers using angle grinders to cut into the jewelry display cases.
Footage from museum security cameras revealed the robbers dressed in bright vests, mimicking museum workers, to avoid raising suspicion. Among the stolen items were priceless pieces, including a diamond-and-emerald necklace that belonged to Empress Marie-Louise, jewels associated with 19th-century Queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense, and a pearl-and-diamond tiara once owned by Empress Eugénie.
While the thieves successfully executed their plan, the jewels have not yet been recovered. The investigation continues, with authorities working diligently to track down the stolen items. Notably, the emerald-set imperial crown of Empress Eugénie, which contains over 1,300 diamonds, was later discovered discarded outside the museum.
The Louvre remains the most-visited museum in the world, drawing millions of visitors annually. This brazen heist has raised concerns about security measures at cultural institutions, prompting discussions about how to better protect invaluable artifacts. The recent arrest may shed light on the remaining members of the heist crew as authorities seek justice for this unprecedented crime against France’s cultural heritage.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus will be on securing the return of the stolen treasures, which hold both financial and historical significance for France.
