A stunning development in the investigation of the brazen Louvre crown jewels heist has seen four suspects formally handed preliminary charges and incarcerated, including three men believed to have constituted the core ‘commando’ that executed the audacious robbery.
The sensational raid, which saw thieves force their way into the Apollo Gallery, resulted in the loss of jewellery valued at an estimated £85 million (approx. $102 million). Despite the arrests, authorities confirm that the priceless haul remains unrecovered, prompting a dedicated manhunt for the missing valuables and the alleged mastermind who may have commissioned the crime.
Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau noted the apparent “closeness” of the accused, whose arrests occurred in quick succession some just days after the October 19th robbery. The suspects are all based in Paris’ northern suburban estates, and two of the men were notably convicted in 2015 in the very same theft case, highlighting a long-standing criminal association.
The four individuals face preliminary charges ranging from theft by an organised gang to criminal conspiracy. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has since confirmed that the investigation is now focused on finding the fourth member of the ‘commando’ who is still at large, and crucially, identifying the patron or entity that ordered the high-profile theft. In line with French legal statute, names and extensive biographical details have been withheld to safeguard the integrity of the ongoing police work.
Investigators rapidly established the audacious method of entry. A 37-year-old man, who has eleven previous convictions, ten of which are for theft, is believed to have been the team member who arrived with a lift truck, simulating renovation work to gain unhindered access to the foot of the museum. His DNA was subsequently found inside the basket lift.
The two primary thieves; a 34-year-old Algerian national and a 39-year-old Parisian, are suspected of using disc cutters to force entry into the display cases within the Apollo Gallery. The Algerian national, who possesses a criminal history largely limited to road traffic offences, was apprehended at Charles de Gaulle airport six days after the heist as he attempted to board a flight to Algeria with a one-way ticket. Crucially, his DNA matched a scooter used in the hasty getaway.
The 39-year-old, arrested at his Aubervilliers home, left his genetic signature on one of the display cases and on items abandoned at the scene. He is reportedly due to face trial later this month in an unrelated matter concerning damage to a prison cell.
Both men gave “minimalist” statements to investigators, yet they have “partially admitted” their involvement, according to the prosecutor’s office. The 37-year-old accused of operating the lift truck denies all involvement.
The fourth person charged, a 38-year-old woman and long-time partner of the 37-year-old suspect, faces preliminary charges of complicity in theft and criminal conspiracy. The couple, who share children, reside in La Courneuve, near the other suspects’ locale. Her solicitor stated that she denies any involvement, with the prosecution acknowledging the presence of only a small amount of her DNA on the lift truck, which could be explained by non-criminal “DNA transfer.”
The focus remains on the missing trove. The recovery of the £85 million worth of jewels, and the apprehension of the fourth operative and any potential criminal mastermind, will determine the final chapter of this sensational episode of art crime.
