The French Public Prosecutor, “Laure Beccuau,” announced significant progress in the case related to the theft of valuable jewelry from the Louvre Museum in Paris. During a press conference held on Wednesday, she confirmed that the investigation had achieved important results thanks to an “exceptional mobilization” involving about one hundred investigators.
“Beccuau” explained that French authorities arrested two men last Saturday evening. One is a 34-year-old Algerian, who was arrested at Roissy airport before boarding a plane to Algeria. The second is a 39-year-old French man from Aubervilliers, who was arrested near his home and had no intention of leaving the country.
She added that the detainees, known to the police for prior theft and financial crimes, partially confessed to the acts attributed to them during interrogation sessions. They were referred to the investigating judges on charges of theft within an organized gang, a crime punishable by 15 years in prison and a high financial fine.
Despite the progress in the investigation, “Beccuau” confirmed that the stolen jewelry, estimated at around 88 million euros, has not yet been found. She added: “The jewelry is not in our possession at this time, but we hope to recover it soon.”
She stressed that these pieces are “not saleable in the markets,” warning that “anyone who buys them will be prosecuted for possession of stolen goods.” She made a public appeal to the perpetrators, saying: “There is still time to return them.”
The Public Prosecutor indicated that two other people are still at large and are suspected of operating the logistical platform during the theft.
She also denied any evidence of internal collusion from Louvre Museum employees, confirming that the investigation is being completed “in the utmost secrecy to ensure the integrity of its course.”
“Beccuau” explained that French authorities arrested two men last Saturday evening. One is a 34-year-old Algerian, who was arrested at Roissy airport before boarding a plane to Algeria. The second is a 39-year-old French man from Aubervilliers, who was arrested near his home and had no intention of leaving the country.
She added that the detainees, known to the police for prior theft and financial crimes, partially confessed to the acts attributed to them during interrogation sessions. They were referred to the investigating judges on charges of theft within an organized gang, a crime punishable by 15 years in prison and a high financial fine.
Despite the progress in the investigation, “Beccuau” confirmed that the stolen jewelry, estimated at around 88 million euros, has not yet been found. She added: “The jewelry is not in our possession at this time, but we hope to recover it soon.”
She stressed that these pieces are “not saleable in the markets,” warning that “anyone who buys them will be prosecuted for possession of stolen goods.” She made a public appeal to the perpetrators, saying: “There is still time to return them.”
The Public Prosecutor indicated that two other people are still at large and are suspected of operating the logistical platform during the theft.
She also denied any evidence of internal collusion from Louvre Museum employees, confirming that the investigation is being completed “in the utmost secrecy to ensure the integrity of its course.”
