URGENT UPDATE: Multiple suspects have been arrested in connection with the audacious heist of crown jewels from the Louvre Museum in Paris, according to the Paris prosecutor. The arrests took place on Saturday evening, just one week after the staggering theft valued at €88 million ($102 million).
The prosecutor, Laure Beccuau, confirmed that one of the suspects was apprehended while attempting to flee from Charles de Gaulle Airport. While French media outlets such as BFM TV reported that two individuals were taken into custody, Beccuau has not disclosed the total number of arrests or whether any stolen jewels have been recovered.
The shocking theft occurred on October 19, 2025, when thieves infiltrated the world’s most-visited museum in less than eight minutes. Using a basket lift, they ascended the Louvre’s façade, forced open a window, smashed display cases, and escaped with vital pieces of France’s crown jewels. This incident has been described by officials as a “terrible failure” for museum security.
Beccuau expressed concern over the premature leaks of details regarding the investigation, which she noted could impede the efforts of over 100 investigators mobilized to recover the stolen items and apprehend all culprits. She added that more information will be released after the suspects’ custody period concludes.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez commended the tireless efforts of the investigators, stating, “They have always had my full confidence.” The Louvre has since reopened, but the implications of this high-profile theft are resonating deeply within the community.
The stolen items included a sapphire diadem, a necklace, and a single earring tied to 19th-century queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense, as well as an emerald necklace and earrings belonging to Empress Marie-Louise, the second wife of Napoleon Bonaparte. Among the most significant pieces was Empress Eugénie’s diamond diadem, alongside her large corsage-bow brooch—both masterpieces of rare craftsmanship.
One piece, Eugénie’s emerald-set imperial crown featuring over 1,300 diamonds, was later discovered outside the museum, damaged but repairable.
The news of the arrests brought a sigh of relief to visitors at the Louvre. “It’s important for our heritage,” said Freddy Jacquemet. “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.” Another visitor, Diana Ramirez, emphasized that the real concern now lies in whether the jewels can be recovered.
As the investigation continues, the world watches closely for further developments in this unprecedented museum heist. The urgency and high stakes involved keep the public’s attention firmly fixed on the ongoing police efforts.
