BREAKING: Two suspects in the recent Louvre Museum jewels heist have been linked to a prior theft conviction from 2015, according to Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau. Authorities confirm that three alleged members of a four-person team are now in custody, heightening concerns over the security of priceless artworks and artifacts.
The investigation escalated when Beccuau revealed that the DNA of a 37-year-old man, charged on Saturday, was discovered in the basket lift used to breach the museum’s window. This suspect faces preliminary charges of theft by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy, with a shocking record of 11 previous convictions, ten of which were for theft.
Another suspect, a 39-year-old man, was charged on Wednesday and has a criminal history that includes 15 convictions, notably two for theft. Beccuau stated, “What’s interesting about these records is that they were both involved in the same theft case, for which they were convicted in Paris in 2015.”
The team reportedly included a 34-year-old man, suspected of being part of the so-called “commando” team, who was also charged this week. Additionally, a 38-year-old woman, the longtime partner of the 37-year-old suspect, faces preliminary charges of complicity, indicating a close connection among all four individuals.
As the investigation unfolds, Beccuau refrained from confirming whether the police are nearing the recovery of the stolen jewels. “We are examining all possibilities on the parallel market for selling this jewellery, which I hope will not happen anytime soon,” she stated. She emphasized the potential for the stolen items to be used for money laundering or illegal trade.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez expressed cautious optimism about the investigation in an interview with Le Parisien on Saturday. He noted, “There are four perpetrators, at least one of whom remains at large, plus possibly the one or those who ordered the crime and the jewellery. I have great confidence in the work of the police, so I’m optimistic. But my optimism doesn’t extend to thinking that the loot will be recovered quickly.”
The situation remains fluid as authorities continue their pursuit of the remaining suspect and the stolen items. With Paris on high alert, the art world watches closely, hoping for the swift recovery of the valuable treasures and justice for this brazen crime.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on this developing story.
