The two suspects arrested in connection with the spectacular jewelry heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris have partially confessed to their involvement in the crime, according to Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau. The men, aged 34 and 39, are now expected to be placed in pre-trial detention as the investigation continues into the theft of jewelry worth an estimated 88 million euros.
Both suspects have prior criminal records for serious theft charges, Beccuau revealed during a press conference at the Paris Palace of Justice. "The hope is that the men might possibly make further statements," the prosecutor said, indicating that investigators are working to extract more information about the heist and potential accomplices.
Despite the partial confessions, the stolen jewelry remains missing. "I want to maintain hope that they can be found and returned to the Louvre Museum and the nation," Beccuau stated. The prosecutor made a direct appeal to any remaining perpetrators, emphasizing that "these jewels are now unsellable. Anyone who would buy them would be guilty of receiving stolen goods. There is still time to return them. Perhaps the perpetrators who have not yet been caught are listening."
Based on surveillance footage, investigators believe four people were directly involved in the October 19 heist. However, authorities suspect the operation may have involved a broader network, potentially including a mastermind or even intended buyers for the stolen pieces. "It's quite possible that there is a broader level with a client or even potential recipients," the prosecutor explained.
The prosecutor emphasized that there is currently no evidence suggesting that museum staff assisted the burglars. "At this point, there is no reason to assume that the perpetrators benefited from accomplices within the museum," Beccuau clarified, addressing speculation about inside help.
The brazen robbery made international headlines due to its audacious execution. The masked thieves parked a truck equipped with a hydraulic lift next to the museum, while two accomplices waited on motorcycles in the street. The other two perpetrators used the lift to reach a first-floor balcony and entered the museum through a window.
The thieves escaped on motorcycles with eight precious pieces of jewelry that once belonged to former queens and empresses. Their haul included gem-encrusted tiaras, necklaces, earrings, and brooches. Among the stolen items was the crown of Empress Eugénie (1826-1920), decorated with emeralds and hundreds of diamonds. However, this crown was later found damaged near the Louvre, apparently dropped by the thieves during their escape.
The first arrest occurred on October 25 when one suspect was apprehended at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, while the second was captured in the Paris region. Both are being investigated for gang-related theft charges. French Interior and Culture ministries issued a joint statement describing the stolen pieces as having "invaluable cultural and historical value beyond their market value."
Following the spectacular theft, France launched a comprehensive review of museum security nationwide. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez ordered police chiefs to examine security measures around museums and cultural sites throughout the country. The Louvre had previously received multiple warnings about security problems, and the ease with which the burglars gained access caused widespread concern and bewilderment.
The Paris Ministry of Culture defended the museum's response, stating that the alarm systems on the exterior window of the Apollo Gallery and on both affected display cases had functioned properly. Ministry officials also noted that museum staff immediately intervened during the lightning-fast break-in, with five employees successfully forcing the perpetrators to flee and abandon some of their equipment.
Experts fear that accomplices may have already dismantled the stolen jewelry, removing diamonds and precious stones from the pieces to sell them individually. The whereabouts of the stolen treasure remains unknown, leaving investigators racing against time to recover the priceless artifacts before they disappear permanently into the black market.
