FLASH
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The investigation into the sensational theft at the Louvre Museum on October 19 has entered a new phase. Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau held a press conference today to release the latest details of the investigation, accompanied by representatives of the Anti-Banditry Brigade (BRB) and the Central Office for the Fight against Trafficking in Cultural Property (OCBC) – the two structures leading the investigation.
According to Beccuau, the investigation has made "significant progress" in recent days, thanks to the commitment of over 100 investigators. She confirmed that two people were arrested on Saturday night.
The first, a 34-year-old man of Algerian origin, was stopped at Roissy–Charles de Gaulle airport while trying to board a non-return flight to Algeria. He is known for several traffic violations and a previous theft.
The second, a 39-year-old from Aubervilliers, was arrested near his apartment and had no plans to leave France. He also has a record of aggravated theft.
The two have been in custody since Saturday and, according to investigation sources, have partially admitted their involvement in the crime. They are expected to be formally charged with “organized theft” and face up to 15 years in prison and a heavy financial fine.
Two other people, suspected of being part of the group that carried out the theft, are still at large. Investigators believe they assisted in the technical operation, manoeuvring the crane that allowed the group to enter the Apollo Gallery, where the jewels were stored, and then fled with them along the Seine River.
However, the prosecutor stressed that “so far there is no evidence to suggest help or collaboration from within the museum”. “It is not excluded that there is a wider group or a client behind them”, she added.
Beccuau confirmed that most of the loot, estimated at 88 million euros, has not yet been found. So far, only the crown of Empress Eugénie has been recovered, which fell during the thieves’ escape and was found damaged. The museum director has stated that its restoration will be very delicate.
"Even though the jewelry is not yet in our possession, I want to believe that it will be found," the prosecutor said in optimistic tones.
She also stressed that these objects are “virtually unsaleable” and any attempt to sell them would result in prosecution for concealment and cultural trafficking. “There is still time to hand them over,” she urged anyone who may still be holding the jewels.
The investigations, under the direction of two investigative judges specializing in organized crime, will continue in complete secrecy so as not to hinder the process.
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