Two suspects arrested in audacious Louvre crown jewels heist

Two men have been arrested in connection with the daring theft of France’s crown jewels from the Louvre Museum in Paris, officials said Sunday — a week after the high-profile robbery that shocked the world and triggered a massive international manhunt. According to the Paris prosecutor’s office, the arrests took place Saturday evening. One suspect was detained while attempting to leave the country through Charles de Gaulle Airport. Authorities have not confirmed whether any of the stolen jewels — valued at roughly 88 million euros ($102 million) — have yet been recovered.

A police source said the two men, both in their 30s and known to law enforcement, were identified after forensic experts analyzed more than 150 DNA samples collected at the crime scene. One of the suspects was reportedly apprehended as he tried to board a flight to Algeria.

The theft, which occurred early last Sunday morning, took fewer than eight minutes. Using a basket lift, the thieves scaled the Louvre’s exterior, forced open a window, smashed several glass display cases, and made off with eight priceless artifacts. Among the stolen items were a sapphire diadem and necklace once linked to Queen Marie-Amélie, emerald jewelry belonging to Empress Marie-Louise, and an intricate diamond corsage-bow brooch from Empress Eugénie. One piece — Eugénie’s emerald-set imperial crown, adorned with more than 1,300 diamonds — was later discovered outside the museum, damaged but repairable.

Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau confirmed that investigators from France’s elite police unit specializing in major robberies and art thefts led the operation. She criticized the premature leak of information to the media, warning that it could hinder the work of more than 100 officers currently focused on recovering the jewels and locating all those involved.

The Louvre, which reopened earlier this week, remains under heightened security. The museum’s director described the heist as a “terrible failure,” while the public compared the cultural loss to the Notre Dame Cathedral fire of 2019.

Visitors outside the museum on Sunday expressed both relief and concern. “It’s important for our heritage,” said Paris resident Freddy Jacquemet. “A week later feels late, but it’s good they were caught.” Another visitor, Diana Ramirez, added, “Now the real question is — can they recover the jewels? That’s what really matters.”