Two suspects have been arrested over the theft of precious crown jewels from Paris's Louvre museum, according to French media reports. The Paris prosecutor's office stated that one of the men was taken into custody while attempting to board a flight from Charles de Gaulle Airport. The items, worth €88 million (£76 million; $102 million), were stolen last Sunday during a brazen daylight heist involving four thieves armed with power tools.
France’s justice minister acknowledged that security protocols had failed, damaging the country’s reputation. Reports indicate that DNA evidence collected at the scene helped identify one of the suspects, who was bound for Algeria, while the other was reportedly heading to Mali. The nature of their escape, using a vehicle-mounted mechanical lift, allowed them to access the Galerie d'Apollon through a balcony. The gang had only a few minutes to complete their theft before fleeing on scooters.
French police have expressed concerns that the stolen jewels may already have been dismantled, complicating recovery efforts. In response to the theft, security at the Louvre and other cultural institutions in France has been tightened. Going forward, some of the most valuable pieces from the museum will be stored in the Bank of France's secure vaults for added protection.
France’s justice minister acknowledged that security protocols had failed, damaging the country’s reputation. Reports indicate that DNA evidence collected at the scene helped identify one of the suspects, who was bound for Algeria, while the other was reportedly heading to Mali. The nature of their escape, using a vehicle-mounted mechanical lift, allowed them to access the Galerie d'Apollon through a balcony. The gang had only a few minutes to complete their theft before fleeing on scooters.
French police have expressed concerns that the stolen jewels may already have been dismantled, complicating recovery efforts. In response to the theft, security at the Louvre and other cultural institutions in France has been tightened. Going forward, some of the most valuable pieces from the museum will be stored in the Bank of France's secure vaults for added protection.
