Two Arrested in $100M Louvre Jewel Heist; One Caught Fleeing at Airport
Two men have been arrested in connection with a $100 million jewel heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris. The incident took place during the day, highlighting the audacity of the culprits. One suspect was apprehended while attempting to flee to Algeria from Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport.
The Daring Heist at the Louvre Museum
On October 19, 2025, thieves executed a well-planned robbery at the Louvre’s Apollo Gallery. They managed to steal items from the French Crown Jewels in a dramatic fashion. Video footage captured the suspects using a cherry picker to reach the museum’s display cases.
The heist lasted less than four minutes. Dressed in yellow vests and motorcycle helmets, the robbers cut through glass displays with chain saws. This brazen act was witnessed by horrified visitors.
Details of the Stolen Items
The thieves made off with eight pieces of jewelry from the collection, including:
- Sapphire diadem
- Necklace
- Single earring associated with Queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense
- Diamond diadem of Empress Eugénie
- Corsage-bow brooch with rare craftsmanship
- Emerald-set imperial crown, later found outside the museum
The total estimated value of these items is approximately $100 million. The stolen crown of Empress Eugénie, which featured over 1,300 diamonds, was damaged but recoverable and later located.
Arrests and Investigation
Law enforcement agencies received tips about the suspects’ flight plans. Following the arrest at the airport, authorities detained the second suspect shortly thereafter in Paris. Both individuals are from Seine-Saint-Denis and have a history of previous robberies.
Police are investigating them under charges of “organized gang robbery” and “conspiracy to commit a crime.” The heist appears to have been conducted on commission, indicating a possible larger network involved in planning the theft.
Aftermath of the Heist
The window that was broken during the robbery quickly became a point of interest for tourists. With the investigation ongoing, the police continue to analyze evidence left at the scene, including the cherry picker used during the heist.
As this story unfolds, the recovery of the stolen items and the full scope of the suspect’s operations remain a focus for law enforcement and the public alike.
