UPDATE: New revelations from the Paris prosecutor’s office confirm that two suspects in the Louvre jewels heist have a troubling history, including a shared conviction from a theft case 10 years ago. Authorities report that three of the four alleged members of the heist team are now in custody, raising urgent questions about the stolen jewels’ fate.
Prosecutor Laure Beccuau revealed that the DNA of a 37-year-old man charged on Saturday was found inside the basket lift used to breach the museum’s window. This suspect, who has a staggering 11 previous convictions—10 for theft—has been charged with theft by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy. A 39-year-old suspect facing similar charges has a record of 15 convictions, two of which are for theft, underscoring the seriousness of their criminal backgrounds.
“What’s intriguing about these records is that they both participated in the same theft case, convicted in Paris in 2015,” Beccuau stated, highlighting the suspects’ long-standing criminal partnership. A 34-year-old man, identified as part of the so-called “commando” team by French media, has also been charged this week. Additionally, a 38-year-old woman linked to the 37-year-old suspect has been charged with “complicity.”
All four suspects remain in custody as the investigation intensifies. Beccuau refrained from commenting on whether the authorities are any closer to recovering 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 said. She warned that the jewels could potentially be used for money laundering or illegal trade, emphasizing that “all leads are being explored.”
In a statement to Le Parisien, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez expressed cautious optimism about the investigation, stating, “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.” Nuñez conveyed his confidence in law enforcement efforts but acknowledged that “my optimism doesn’t extend to thinking that the loot will be recovered quickly.”
As this situation develops, the urgency for the recovery of the priceless jewels intensifies, leaving the art world and the public anxiously awaiting further updates. Authorities are working diligently to uncover the full extent of the operation and the potential whereabouts of the stolen items. The investigation is ongoing, and officials urge anyone with information to come forward.
Stay tuned for more urgent updates as this story unfolds.
