A man was arrested by French police earlier this week, believed to be the fourth member of a crew involved in the audacious theft of France’s crown jewels from the Louvre Museum. According to Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau, the suspect, a 39-year-old with a criminal record that includes six previous convictions, now faces preliminary charges of robbery by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy.
These charges could lead to significant prison sentences, with robbery potentially resulting in up to 15 years of imprisonment, while criminal conspiracy could add another 10 years if he is convicted. This arrest comes in connection with the high-profile theft that occurred on October 19, 2023, when a group of thieves executed a well-planned operation that lasted less than eight minutes.
The robbery took place in the renowned Apollo Gallery, which houses some of the most valuable jewels in France. The gang’s haul is estimated to be worth approximately 102 million USD, although its historical significance to France surpasses its monetary value. Among the stolen items were a diamond-and-emerald necklace presented by Napoleon to Empress Marie-Louise, as well as jewels associated with 19th-century queens and a pearl-and-diamond tiara once owned by Empress Eugénie.
Using angle grinders and a freight lift, the thieves posed as museum workers dressed in bright vests to gain access. Footage from the museum’s surveillance cameras revealed that two members of the crew broke into the Apollo Gallery by cutting through jewelry display cases. They were then assisted by two accomplices who waited outside on motorbikes to facilitate their escape.
The exact role of the arrested individual in the heist remains unclear. Nevertheless, his detention is a crucial development in an investigation that continues to puzzle authorities. The stolen jewels have yet to be recovered, and the incident has raised concerns about security at one of the world’s most-visited museums.
In a further twist, the emerald-set imperial crown of Empress Eugénie, which features over 1,300 diamonds, was found abandoned outside the museum following the theft. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are determined to track down the remaining stolen items and bring all involved to justice.
