Paris prosecutor identifies arrested man as possible fourth member of Louvre heist gang

PARIS French authorities have apprehended a man believed to be the fourth member of the group responsible for stealing Frances crown jewels from the Louvre Museum, according to the Paris prosecutor's office on Friday. This arrest suggests that all individuals involved in the audacious daylight robbery may now be in custody.

Prosecutor Laure Beccuau, overseeing the investigation, stated that the 39-year-old suspect has a criminal record with six previous convictions, including a 2010 suspended sentence of two months for handling stolen property. He now faces preliminary charges of robbery by an organized gang, punishable by up to 15 years in prison, and criminal conspiracy, which carries a potential 10-year sentence if his involvement in the October 19 theft is confirmed.

The stolen items were estimated to be worth 88 million euros ($102 million), excluding their immense historical significance to France. The prosecutor did not specify the exact role the new suspect played in the heist, which involved angle grinders, a freight lift, and disguises as workers wearing bright vests. Three other individuals questioned by police this week were released without charges.

Investigators continue efforts to locate the missing jewels and clarify the role of each participant in the organized crime group, as well as to understand the planning and execution of the theft, according to Beccuau.

The robbery is believed to have been executed by a four-person team: two entered the Apollo Gallery to access the jewels, while two others waited outside on motorbikes to facilitate a quick escape. Earlier arrests in October included three men, charged preliminarily with theft by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy, with DNA evidence linking them to the crime scene. A woman, the longtime partner of one suspect, was also arrested in October and faces charges of complicity in theft and criminal conspiracy. She has denied involvement through her lawyer.

The stolen collection includes a diamond-and-emerald necklace given by Napoleon to Empress Marie-Louise, jewels associated with 19th-century Queens Marie-Amlie and Hortense, and Empress Eugnies pearl-and-diamond tiara. None of the items have been recovered.

The incident has raised serious concerns about security at the Louvre, with the museum director admitting a terrible failure and promising enhanced surveillance and anti-intrusion measures.

According to footage, the thieves entered and exited the museum in under eight minutes, using a freight lift to access a window. The burglars used grinders to break into display cases in the Apollo Gallery. The emerald-set imperial crown of Napoleon IIIs wife, Empress Eugnie, containing over 1,300 diamonds, was later found outside the museum.

Author: Sophia Brooks