**Suspects Arrested in Connection with Paris Louvre Crown Jewels Theft**
*Paris, June (AP)* — Suspects have been arrested in connection with the theft of crown jewels from Paris’ Louvre Museum, the Paris prosecutor announced on Sunday, a week after the audacious heist that captured global attention.
The prosecutor revealed that the arrests took place on Saturday evening. Notably, one of the men apprehended was preparing to leave the country from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. Earlier reports from French media outlets BFM TV and Le Parisien indicated that two suspects had been taken into custody. However, Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau did not confirm the exact number of arrests nor disclose whether any of the stolen jewels have been recovered.
The daring theft unfolded in less than eight minutes on Sunday morning last week. Thieves made off with crown jewels valued at approximately $102 million from the world’s most-visited museum. According to French officials, the intruders used a basket lift to scale the Louvre’s façade, forced open a window, smashed display cases, and fled swiftly.
The museum’s director described the incident as a “terrible failure,” highlighting the severity of the security breach.
Investigators from a specialized police unit tasked with handling armed robberies, serious burglaries, and art thefts spearheaded the arrests. Prosecutor Beccuau expressed concern over a premature leak of information related to the case, warning that it could obstruct the work of over 100 investigators “mobilized to recover the stolen jewels and apprehend all of the perpetrators.”
Further details regarding the suspects and the ongoing investigation are expected to be disclosed after the conclusion of the suspects’ custody period.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez praised the investigators, stating, “They have worked tirelessly, just as I asked them to, and have always had my full confidence.”
The Louvre Museum reopened earlier this week, after one of the highest-profile museum thefts in recent history shocked the world with its audacity and scale. The stolen items are regarded as priceless cultural treasures — some of France’s crown jewels — causing a wound to national heritage comparable to the burning of Notre Dame Cathedral in 2019.
The thieves escaped with a total of eight objects, including:
– A sapphire diadem, necklace, and single earring from a set linked to 19th-century queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense
– An emerald necklace and earrings associated with Empress Marie-Louise, second wife of Napoleon Bonaparte
– A reliquary brooch
– Empress Eugénie’s diamond diadem and large corsage-bow brooch, an imperial ensemble of rare craftsmanship
One piece, Empress Eugénie’s emerald-set imperial crown adorned with more than 1,300 diamonds, was later found outside the museum. Although damaged, it was reportedly repairable.
News of the arrests brought relief to Louvre visitors and passersby on Sunday. Freddy Jacquemet remarked, “It’s important for our heritage. A week later, it does feel a bit late; we wonder how this could even happen, but it was important that the guys were caught.”
Diana Ramirez added, “I think the main thing now is whether they can recover the jewels. That’s what really matters.”
The investigation continues as authorities work to recover the priceless antiques and bring all those responsible to justice.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/26/louvre-crown-jewels-theft/