Prosecutor Furious Over Leaked News of Louvre Heist Gang Arrests
Two individuals have been apprehended in connection with a heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris. This theft involved the loss of invaluable pieces, including components of the French crown jewels. French public prosecutor Laure Beccuau expressed her outrage over the premature disclosure of the arrests, which she described as detrimental to the ongoing investigation.
Details of the Louvre Heist Arrests
On a Saturday night, Beccuau confirmed that arrests had taken place. Although she did not specify the total number, she noted that one suspect was detained while attempting to leave from Charles de Gaulle Airport. A second suspect was captured later that same evening in the Paris region.
- Both suspects hail from Seine-Saint-Denis, a northern Paris suburb.
- The arrests followed a high-stakes operation, as investigators had been closely monitoring the two individuals for several days.
- The first suspect was reportedly headed for a flight to Algeria at the time of his arrest.
Investigation Developments
Beccuau indicated that further details would be revealed after the police custodial period ends. France’s Interior Minister, Laurent Nunez, commended the diligent efforts of investigators and emphasized that inquiries must continue confidentially.
The detainees are presently in pre-trial detention, facing charges of organized theft and conspiracy. They are suspected participants in a larger criminal operation that utilized a cherry picker to access the Apollo Gallery of the Louvre.
The Value and Impact of the Theft
The robbery occurred on a Sunday morning, at approximately 9:30 AM local time, resulting in the theft of jewels valued at an estimated £76 million. The criminals took less than eight minutes to steal eight extraordinary items, including:
- Sapphire and emerald necklaces
- A diamond brooch containing 2,438 diamonds
A ninth item, the emerald crown belonging to Empress Eugenie, was also taken but was later recovered, albeit damaged.
The Louvre Museum’s Response
Following the robbery, one of the world’s most visited museums, attracting around 30,000 visitors daily, suspended its operations temporarily. The Louvre has since reopened its doors to the public.
As the investigation continues, there remains a deep concern regarding the implications of the leaked information on the progress of the case.
