French police detained two men suspected of participating in a spectacular raid on the Louvre. The value of the stolen gems is estimated at over EUR 88 million. The perpetrators were caught Saturday night, trying to escape from France. What do we know about their origins, their plans, and what they found?
Two suspects in the Louvre have been detained. They're two men about 30 years old from the immigration department of Seine-Saint-Denis, listed for burglary. One of them was captured at CDG Airport when he tried to flee to Algeria. The other one was going to flee to Mali. The search continues for the other two perpetrators. A motorcycle helmet and a yellow vest were found at the scene. Police collected about 150 tracks, including the hair of one of the burglars. It's possible they were custom-made. 9 priceless from the historical point of view of the jewels of the crown of France are valued at approximately EUR 88 million.
Two suspects of burglary in the Louvre were detained. They're two men about 30 years old from the immigration department of Seine-Saint-Denis, listed for burglary. One of them was captured at CDG Airport when he tried to flee to Algeria. The other one was going to flee to Mali. The search continues...https://t.co/JSG4aBmCEApic.twitter.com/AgZ0CcVr0v
The detainees are about 30 years old and come from the Seine-Saint-Denis department, or northern Paris district. They are known to police because of previous burglaries and considered experienced criminals. According to the French media, they could have acted on commission, suggesting that a larger criminal network could be behind the theft.
Where were they going?
One of the suspects was detained at Charles de Gaulle Airport as he was preparing to board a plane flying to Algeria. The second man was arrested north of Paris. Both were transported to the detention facility under the Brigade for the fight against banditism (BRB).
What did they steal from the Louvre?
The robbery occurred on Sunday, October 19. In just eight minutes, four perpetrators broke into the Louvre, using a stolen boom on a truck to get to the first floor of the museum. Eight priceless jewels were stolen from the Apollo Gallery, including:
Tiara, necklace and earrings with sapphires of Queen Mary Amelia and Queen Hortensia
Emerald jewelry (necklace and earrings) from the set of Empress Maria Louisi
Brooch and tiar of Empress Eugenia
Reliquary brooch with 94 diamonds
The value of the loot is estimated at EUR 88 million. Thiefs did not steal the most valuable item—the Regent diamond, valued at $60 million.
What did you find?
During their escape, the perpetrators lost the crown of Empress Eugenia, which Louvre bought for €6.72 million. Police also secured a helmet, gloves, orange working vest, walkie-talkie and a container with flammable liquid. About 150 fingerprints and DNA were identified on these items. The boom on the truck that the thieves got to the museum was found abandoned on the street.
What's next?
The investigation is still ongoing, and police are searching for the other perpetrators and stolen jewels. The prosecution does not rule out that the theft was carried out on behalf of a collector or to sell gem fragments. There is a debate in the Louvre about increasing security after this spectacular robbery.
