UPDATE: Two French nationals have been arrested in connection with the audacious jewel heist at the Louvre Museum, authorities confirmed just hours ago. As the manhunt intensifies for additional suspects still at large, Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau expressed serious concerns about the impact of information leaks on the ongoing investigation.
In a statement released late Sunday, Beccuau lamented the “hasty disclosure” of arrest details, warning that it could jeopardize the efforts of nearly 100 investigators working to recover the stolen jewels, valued at approximately $102 million. “This revelation can only harm the investigative efforts,” she stated, urging discretion as the investigation unfolds.
The arrests occurred over the weekend, with one suspect detained at 10 p.m. on Saturday at Charles de Gaulle Airport while attempting to board a flight to Algeria. The second suspect was captured en route to Mali. Both men, in their 30s and residents of Seine-Saint-Denis, have previous criminal records related to burglary.
According to the French National Police, both suspects are believed to have played key roles in the meticulously planned robbery that took place on October 19, 2025. The heist involved the theft of eight priceless pieces of jewelry from the Louvre, including crowns adorned with thousands of diamonds. Investigators suspect that the thieves may have had inside information about the museum’s security vulnerabilities.
In a dramatic turn of events, one of the stolen crowns, which belonged to Empress Eugenie, was found damaged on the street outside the museum shortly after the theft. This incident has raised questions about the museum’s security protocols, which have been criticized for being outdated.
During recent testimony before the French Senate, Laurence des Cars, president of the Louvre, described the theft as “an immense wound.” She acknowledged that while all alarms and surveillance systems operated correctly, a critical gap in perimeter security allowed the thieves to execute their plan with alarming efficiency.
The brazen robbery involved a stolen truck fitted with a “mobile freight elevator” that allowed the suspects to access the second floor of the museum. Dressed as construction workers, they used power tools to break into the Apollo Gallery and meticulously cut through glass display cases to seize the jewels.
As the investigation progresses, Beccuau urges the public to remain vigilant and has promised to provide further updates following the suspects’ initial custody phase, which lasts 96 hours under French law.
The urgency surrounding this case highlights the need for immediate action to enhance security at one of the world’s most famous museums. As authorities continue their search for additional suspects, the focus remains on recovering the stolen treasures and addressing the vulnerabilities that allowed such a daring heist to occur.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
