Louvre Heist: French Police Arrest 5 More Suspects in $100M Jewel Theft

Major Breakthrough in the Louvre Robbery Case

French authorities have arrested five additional suspects in connection with the spectacular Louvre Museum jewel theft, bringing the total number of detainees to seven, officials said Thursday.

Prosecutor Laure Beccuau confirmed that DNA evidence tied one of the new suspects directly to the crime.

“The others are people who may inform us about the unfolding of these events,” Beccuau told RTL Radio.

Despite the arrests, investigators have not yet recovered the stolen jewels, valued at over $100 million.

How the Heist Unfolded

More than a week ago, two masked thieves used disc grinders to cut through a Louvre window and access the Apollo Gallery, home to parts of France’s crown jewels.

They smashed display cases, grabbed the treasures, and escaped via high-powered scooters driven by two accomplices waiting outside.
Security forces arrived less than a minute after the thieves fled.

“Everything began with DNA traces, fingerprints, video surveillance, and phone tracking,” Beccuau said. “Brick by brick, the investigation is tightening.”

Earlier Arrests and Charges

Earlier this week, police arrested two men, including one detained at Charles de Gaulle Airport while attempting to board a flight to Algeria.
Both have been charged with theft by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy.

Investigators say the suspects used a truck-mounted electric ladder to reach the second-floor balcony and break into the gallery.

Their lawyers, Diala Al-Shaman and Réda Ghilaci, declined to comment on the specifics, with Ghilaci urging that the case be handled “with utmost serenity despite the media exposure.”

Expanding Investigation

Wednesday night’s coordinated raids across the Paris region brought five new arrests. French law allows suspects in organized crime cases to be detained for up to 96 hours before charges are filed.

The investigation, involving about 100 officers, is now focusing on tracking the escape network and determining whether the operation was part of a larger international ring.

Authorities believe the stolen jewels may already have been smuggled abroad or dismantled for resale on the black market.

France’s Biggest Museum Heist in Decades

The Louvre theft has been described as the most daring museum robbery in France in 20 years, drawing comparisons to high-profile European art crimes.
Security experts say the precision and timing suggest “military-level coordination.”

The French Ministry of Culture has pledged to reinforce museum security nationwide, while Interpol has issued international alerts for the stolen jewels.

“This case is a blow to France’s cultural heritage,” a Louvre spokesperson said. “But we are determined to recover what was taken.”