The investigation into the spectacular $102 million jewel heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris has intensified, with authorities now charging a total of four individuals. On Saturday, the Paris prosecutor's office confirmed that a man and a woman were placed under formal investigation, joining two other suspects who were charged last week in connection with the audacious theft.
Key Takeaways
- Two new suspects, a 37-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman, have been formally charged.
- This brings the total number of people charged in the heist to four.
- The two newly charged individuals deny any involvement in the crime.
- The stolen jewels, valued at $102 million, have not yet been recovered.
Investigation Widens with New Charges
Prosecutors have laid serious charges against the two new suspects. The 37-year-old man, who is known to police for previous theft-related offenses, faces charges of organised theft and criminal conspiracy. The 38-year-old woman has been charged with complicity in organised theft and criminal conspiracy.
Both individuals were brought before investigating judges and will remain in pre-trial detention. Despite the charges, both have maintained their innocence and deny any connection to the heist. Three other people who were detained at the same time as the pair have since been released without charge.
While officials have not released extensive details, French media reports indicate the woman is from La Courneuve, a suburb located north of Paris. This detail connects the expanding investigation to the city's northern suburbs, where the first two suspects were also based.
A Growing Network of Suspects
The latest charges suggest investigators are piecing together a broader network believed to be behind the meticulously planned robbery. The focus on individuals from Paris's northern suburbs of La Courneuve and Aubervilliers points to a localized operation that managed to breach the security of one of the world's most famous museums.
First Suspects Partially Admit Involvement
The two individuals charged last week have reportedly been more cooperative with investigators. According to the prosecutor's office, they have "partially admitted" their roles in the crime. This development was a significant early breakthrough for the police.
These first two suspects include a 34-year-old Algerian national who has been living in France since 2010. He was apprehended by police as he attempted to board a flight to Algeria. The second is a 39-year-old man who was already under judicial supervision for a separate aggravated theft case. Both men live in Aubervilliers, another northern Paris suburb.
The Missing Treasure
Despite the progress in identifying and charging suspects, the primary goal of the investigation remains unfulfilled. To date, none of the $102 million worth of stolen jewels have been found. The search for the priceless artifacts continues as a top priority for French authorities.
Revisiting the Daring Museum Heist
The robbery, which occurred just over two weeks ago, sent shockwaves through the art and security communities worldwide. It exposed significant vulnerabilities at the Louvre, the most-visited museum in the world.
The crime was executed with alarming precision. In the early morning hours, two hooded thieves used a movers' lift to gain access to a second-floor window of the prestigious Galerie d'Apollon.
A Swift and Professional Operation
Once inside, the thieves used power tools to quickly smash through reinforced display cases holding the jewels. Their actions were swift, suggesting they had detailed knowledge of the gallery's layout and security measures.
The entire operation highlighted a calculated plan that exploited specific security weaknesses, leaving museum officials and global law enforcement to re-evaluate protection protocols for cultural treasures.
After securing the valuables, the two thieves made a rapid escape. They fled on the back of scooters driven by two waiting accomplices, disappearing into the Paris streets before a significant police response could be mounted. The investigation is ongoing as police continue to hunt for the missing jewels and any other individuals involved.