Following a high-profile jewel heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris, social media platforms have seen a surge of viral posts claiming to show mugshots of the alleged thieves. However, investigations reveal these widely circulated images are largely inaccurate, featuring individuals unrelated to the October 19 crime. This misinformation has led to unexpected virality for some, while French authorities continue their search for the stolen jewels, valued at over $100 million.
Key Takeaways
- Viral mugshots of alleged Louvre thieves are mostly fake.
- One prominent viral image is an old mugshot of dance professor Stefan Dolbashian.
- Dolbashian's mugshot previously went viral in 2010.
- French police have arrested and charged several suspects in the actual heist.
- The stolen jewels, worth over $100 million, remain missing.
The Spread of Misinformation Online
The internet's rapid sharing capabilities mean that false information can spread quickly. In the wake of the Louvre heist, several images began circulating, purporting to be mugshots of the individuals involved. These posts gained significant traction, reaching a broad audience across various social media platforms.
One particular image, frequently shared, featured a man with blue eyes and brown hair. This photo, alongside another of actor Chace Crawford from a 2010 arrest, was presented as evidence of the Louvre culprits. However, the man in the blue-eyed photo is not a Louvre thief.
Fast Fact
The Louvre heist, which occurred on October 19, involved four thieves who spent only seven minutes inside the museum's Galerie d'Apollon.
Stefan Dolbashian's Unexpected Return to Viral Fame
The man in the prominent viral mugshot has been identified as Stefan Dolbashian, a dance professor and freelance choreographer. Mr. Dolbashian confirmed that the photo is indeed his mugshot from an arrest in Florida in 2010 on burglary charges. He stated that those charges were later dropped, and he has no convictions.
Dolbashian addressed the situation on Instagram, making a humorous post about teaming up with Chace Crawford for international thievery. He later explained his decision to comment publicly on the matter.
"Since everyone keeps asking yes, after an extensive career in the performing arts, I’ve decided to leave it all behind to team up with Hollywood star Chase Crawford and commit international thievery across the whole world. We appreciate your love and support in this endeavor as we have poured our blood, sweat and tears into our new careers, and we hope we can continue to count on your support in the future."
He further elaborated that he first learned about the viral post when a friend sent him a screenshot. What started as a laugh quickly escalated as nearly everyone he knew began reaching out, asking if the picture was him.
A History of Viral Mugshots
This is not the first time Dolbashian's mugshot has garnered significant attention. In 2010, shortly after his initial arrest, the same photo appeared on a popular online list of "hottest mugshots," securing the number one spot. Dolbashian noted that while that incident also caused a stir, social media's global reach was not as extensive then as it is today.
The prior experience influenced his decision to engage with the current viral trend. He felt it was important to share his side of the story and be part of the conversation, rather than letting the narrative unfold without his input. His employers are reportedly aware of the situation and are finding humor in it.
Context on the Heist
The Louvre heist involved the theft of eight of France's crown jewels. The thieves used a furniture-lift truck and tools to open a window in the Galerie d'Apollon. They made their escape on scooters, leaving French authorities with a complex investigation.
The Real Investigation and Arrests
While social media was busy circulating false images, French police have been actively pursuing the actual perpetrators of the Louvre heist. The investigation has led to several arrests and charges.
Key developments in the police investigation:
- October 19: Four thieves execute the seven-minute heist at the Louvre's Galerie d'Apollon.
- October 25: French police take two men, both in their early 30s, into custody. These individuals reportedly have prior criminal records for jewel theft.
- October 29: Five additional suspects are arrested in the greater Paris area.
- November 3: Four suspects are officially charged in connection with the heist. Three others are released.
Among those charged are the initial two men arrested. Reports indicate that a 37-year-old man with 11 prior convictions and his 38-year-old female partner are also among the charged suspects. The latter two have denied their involvement.
Stolen Value
The eight French crown jewels stolen from the Louvre are estimated to be worth more than $100 million. As of now, the missing jewels have not been recovered.
Reactions to the Viral Posts
The spread of the fake mugshots has generated a range of reactions online. Many social media users found humor in the situation, with some leaving playful comments on posts featuring the incorrect photos.
Model Christie Brinkley, for instance, commented on one such post, stating, "They are both works of art! 🙌🙌." Another user quipped that the alleged suspects were "stealing hearts ❤️😂." These comments highlight the lighthearted, albeit misinformed, public response to the viral content.
The ongoing investigation into the Louvre heist continues as authorities work to recover the priceless jewels and ensure justice, while the public remains captivated by both the facts and the fiction surrounding the case.