Small-time thieves from Paris suburb hit Paris museum in bold heist at Louvre Museum
Photo: theory of involvement of seasoned mobsters dismissed (Getty Images)
The high-profile Louvre heist in Paris, during which historical jewels worth $102 million were stolen, was carried out by a group of small-time criminals, not professional mafia members, according to Reuters.
Prosecutor Laura Becco noted that the suspects do not resemble members of organized crime networks, describing them instead as residents of disadvantaged northern Paris suburbs.
"This is not quite everyday delinquency... but it is a type of delinquency that we do not generally associate with the upper echelons of organised crime," Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau told Franceinfo radio.
Who suspects are
Among those detained are two men aged 34 and 39, suspected of directly entering the museum. Both lived in Aubervilliers, a poor Paris suburb, and partially admitted guilt. The 34-year-old Algerian was arrested at the airport while attempting to fly home. The second suspect was already under court supervision for prior thefts.
Two more individuals, a 37-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman, his partner and the mother of their children, were detained on October 29. The man was linked to the crime through DNA traces found in the getaway car; he has 11 previous convictions for theft and ATM robberies. Both deny involvement.
French media suggest that the thieves were not particularly skilled, as they dropped the most valuable relic, Empress Eugénie’s crown, during their escape, leaving behind tools and a glove. Police believe at least one accomplice is still at large.
Latest in investigation
Earlier, two of the suspects were formally charged with organized robbery and conspiracy, while three others were released. Authorities have now detained seven people in total, with the investigation continuing.
October 19 Louvre robbery
On October 19, four masked men stole eight pieces of jewelry from the Louvre’s Apollo Gallery, one of the museum’s most famous halls. The stolen items were valued at $102 million.
The entire operation lasted just seven minutes. The thieves reportedly entered through a window using a truck-mounted lift and fled the scene on motor scooters. None of the missing jewels has yet been recovered.
