The audacious theft at the Louvre Museum has deepened, with Paris prosecutors announcing charges against two more individuals, swelling the number of suspects to four. The world-renowned gallery was targeted on October 19th, a brazen daylight raid that sent shockwaves through the art world.
A meticulously planned team of four breached security in the Apollo Gallery, making off with jewels estimated to be worth a staggering 88 million euros – over $102 million. The entire operation, incredibly, unfolded in under eight minutes, leaving investigators scrambling to understand how such a swift and valuable heist could occur.
The latest arrests involve a 38-year-old woman from La Courneuve, charged with complicity in organized theft and criminal conspiracy, and a 37-year-old man facing charges of theft and conspiracy. Despite their denials, a judge has ordered both to remain in custody, fearing potential evidence tampering and collusion with accomplices.
The 37-year-old man is no stranger to law enforcement, already known to French authorities for previous robbery offenses. This detail adds another layer of complexity to the investigation, suggesting a degree of planning and experience among the perpetrators.
Earlier arrests revealed a desperate attempt to flee the country. A 34-year-old Algerian national, residing in France since 2010, was intercepted at Charles de Gaulle Airport with a one-way ticket to Algeria. Investigators discovered his DNA on a scooter believed to have been used in the escape.
The second suspect previously apprehended, a 39-year-old man, was arrested at his home in Aubervilliers. His DNA was found linked to a broken glass display case that once housed the stolen jewels, along with other crucial evidence left at the scene.
Authorities are meticulously piecing together the puzzle, tracing the suspects’ connections and movements. The investigation continues to focus on uncovering the full extent of the criminal network involved in this daring and high-stakes theft.
The Louvre, a symbol of art and history, remains under heightened security as investigators work tirelessly to recover the stolen jewels and bring all those responsible to justice. The brazenness of the crime has sparked a national conversation about security protocols at cultural institutions.
