Two arrested over jewel theft at Paris Louvre Museum

Digital Desk

Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the daring daylight theft of precious crown jewels worth €88 million (£76 million; $102 million) from Paris’s Louvre Museum, French media reported.

According to the Paris prosecutor’s office, one of the men was detained while preparing to board a flight from Charles de Gaulle Airport. Sources say he was bound for Algeria, while the second suspect had plans to travel to Mali. Both are now in custody, and specialist police are authorised to question them for up to 96 hours.

The spectacular theft took place last Sunday, when four thieves armed with power tools broke into the world’s most-visited museum in broad daylight. They targeted the Galerie d’Apollon (Gallery of Apollo), home to some of France’s most valuable royal jewels.

Arriving at around 09:30 local time (06:30 GMT), just after the museum opened, the gang used a vehicle-mounted mechanical lift to reach a first-floor balcony overlooking the River Seine. Two thieves reportedly cut through a window using power tools, entered the gallery, and threatened the guards. Staff were forced to evacuate as the criminals smashed through two glass display cases containing the jewels.

The ‘cursed’ Diamond from India

For centuries, the Regent Diamond has carried a reputation for being cursed. According to the legend, the diamond was discovered in India in 1701 by an enslaved man who tried to flee with the gem hidden in a leg wound. He was killed by the sea captain who had promised to help him escape the country, and the diamond was soon on its way through Europe’s royal courts, leaving a trail of misfortune in its wake. Ever since it was mined in the 18th century, the diamond has been stolen several times. However, this time, it was spared.

Security Lapses Exposed After Four-Minute Louvre Heist

CCTV footage showed the Louvre jewel heist lasted just four minutes, with thieves escaping on scooters. A report revealed one-third of rooms lacked cameras, while the only external one faced the wrong way. Louvre director Laurence des Cars admitted the museum’s security was outdated.

France’s Justice Minister called the lapse a “terrible image” for the nation. Authorities have since tightened security, and the museum moved its most valuable jewels to the Bank of France’s secure underground vault.