French police have made their first arrests in connection with the audacious daylight robbery of 19th-century crown jewels from the Louvre’s Galerie d’Apollon, nearly a week after the incident that shocked the nation and exposed security failings at one of the world’s most iconic museums.
Two men have been taken into custody by France’s elite anti-gang unit in relation to the 20th October heist. According to French media, one of the suspects was apprehended while preparing to board a flight, raising the possibility that the gang may have planned to move the stolen items out of the country. Both individuals are reportedly from Seine-Saint-Denis, a northern suburb of Paris, and are known to authorities for previous involvement in robberies.
The suspects can now be held and questioned for up to 96 hours. Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau confirmed the arrests and criticised a media leak that revealed details of the investigation prematurely, warning it could undermine the coordinated efforts of more than 100 officers currently involved in recovering the jewels and identifying all those responsible.
Robbery in broad daylight
The robbery, described by lawmakers as a “national humiliation”, took place in daylight hours at the Louvre’s Galerie d’Apollon, where the French crown jewels were on display. The thieves used a construction-style basket lift to reach a first-floor balcony, forced open a window and smashed through display cases. The entire operation took no longer than seven minutes, after which the culprits escaped on motorbikes.
Among the eight stolen pieces are irreplaceable historical jewels once belonging to the French royal family, with the collection estimated to be worth around €88 million. Their disappearance has sent shockwaves through France’s cultural sector and prompted widespread criticism over security protocols at the museum.
Security concerns under scrutiny
Initial findings from the police investigation suggest serious lapses in Louvre security. Reports indicate that as many as a third of the rooms surrounding the Galerie d’Apollon were not equipped with CCTV surveillance. This revelation comes amid long-standing concerns from museum staff regarding underinvestment in security infrastructure.
The Louvre, home to thousands of priceless artefacts, including the Mona Lisa, is considered one of the most visited and guarded museums in the world. However, the scale and sophistication of this theft has raised urgent questions about whether it remains adequately protected.
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Photo credit: Cassandra Tanti