Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
French prosecutors said on Wednesday that the two men arrested in connection with the spectacular jewel theft at the Louvre Museum have partially confessed to the charges against them, though the stolen treasures remain missing.
Paris public prosecutor Laure Beccuau told reporters that investigators are still searching for the jewels, which were stolen earlier this month from the museum’s famed Apollo Gallery. “The jewels are not in our possession at this stage,” Beccuau said, adding, “I wish to remain optimistic about their recovery.”
The case, which has captivated France and reignited debate over museum security, took a new turn after authorities confirmed that the two suspects both known to police are now facing formal investigation on charges of organized theft and membership in a criminal conspiracy. The first offense carries a potential 15-year prison sentence, while the latter is punishable by up to 10 years.
Two Suspects, One Caught at the Airport
According to prosecutors, one of the suspects, a 34-year-old Algerian national residing in France, was arrested on Saturday at Charles de Gaulle Airport as he attempted to board a flight to Algeria without a return ticket. The second suspect, a 39-year-old man from Aubervilliers, a suburb north of Paris, was detained the same night near his home.
Beccuau confirmed that the pair are accused of breaking into the Apollo Gallery, home to the Louvre’s collection of French crown jewels, during museum hours. Both men are being questioned by investigating judges before a decision is made on whether they will remain in custody.
Investigation Widens
The prosecutor said police have so far confirmed the involvement of four perpetrators but are not ruling out the possibility of additional accomplices, including a mastermind or potential buyers. However, she emphasized that investigators have found “no evidence at this stage” suggesting the involvement of any Louvre staff in the theft.
During their escape, the thieves reportedly dropped the crown of Empress Eugénie, which has since been recovered. The museum’s director said the crown sustained some damage, and its restoration will be a “delicate process.”
A Daring Theft Worth Over $100 Million
The theft occurred on October 19, when the robbers reportedly used a crane to smash a window on the upper floor of the museum and entered during visiting hours. Within minutes an estimated six to seven they seized eight valuable pieces from the royal jewelry collection, estimated to be worth around $102 million, before fleeing on motorcycles.
Security footage failed to capture the assailants in time to prevent the heist, exposing vulnerabilities in the museum’s surveillance and prompting calls for a review of its security protocols.
As the investigation continues, Beccuau said authorities remain determined to recover the missing jewels and bring all those involved to justice. “We are doing everything possible to ensure these treasures are returned where they belong to the French nation,” she said.
