French authorities have arrested two suspects in connection with the audacious daylight theft of crown jewels worth €88 million (£76m; $102m) from the Louvre Museum in Paris. The incident, which took place last Sunday, has shocked France and prompted questions about the museum’s security protocols.
According to French media reports, four masked thieves broke into the Louvre in broad daylight, using power tools to gain access to the Galerie d’Apollon, a prestigious hall that houses France’s crown jewels. The gang is believed to have used a vehicle-mounted mechanical lift to reach a balcony overlooking the River Seine, entering the museum around 9:30 a.m. just after it opened to visitors.
The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed on Saturday evening that two men had been taken into custody. One was apprehended at Charles de Gaulle Airport while preparing to board a flight to Algeria, and the other was reportedly planning to travel to Mali. Authorities say the suspects can be detained for up to 96 hours as police continue their investigation.
France’s Justice Minister has acknowledged that the heist exposed serious flaws in the museum’s security systems, calling it a “terrible image” for the country. Security failures are now under review as investigators work to recover the missing jewels and track down the remaining suspects.
The prosecutor’s office also criticized what it called the “premature disclosure” of information surrounding the case, warning that such leaks could hinder ongoing efforts to recover the stolen artifacts.
The Louvre, the world’s most-visited museum and home to masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa, has since reinforced its security measures. Officials remain hopeful that the high-profile jewels will be recovered and that all those involved in the daring heist will be brought to justice.
