Two Arrested in Daring Louvre Crown-Jewel Heist; Hunt for Stolen Treasures Continues

French authorities have arrested two men in connection with last week’s audacious theft of crown jewels from the Louvre Museum, a haul valued at roughly €88 million $102 million.

One suspect was intercepted at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport as he attempted to board a flight to Algeria; the other was detained in the Paris region. Both are in their 30s and known to the police.

Prosecutors say the investigation remains active and have not confirmed whether additional suspects are in custody.

The arrests come seven days after a meticulously executed break-in that unfolded in minutes. According to investigators, the thieves posed as maintenance workers and used a truck-mounted lift to reach an upper-level access point, smashed display cases in the Apollo Gallery, and fled, reportedly on motorbikes, before security could respond.

Forensic teams have collected a large volume of traces from tools and clothing left near the scene.

Among the eight missing pieces are historically significant jewels linked to France’s 19th-century royalty, including items associated with Queen Marie-Amélie, Queen Hortense, Empress Eugénie, and others.

A damaged emerald crown attributed to Empress Eugenie was recovered near the museum shortly after the heist and is believed to be repairable, but none of the other pieces have been found.

Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau praised the swift work of specialised police units but warned that media leaks could jeopardise operations as investigators pursue remaining suspects and possible fences.

Interior officials acknowledged the incident exposed security vulnerabilities at the world’s most visited museum; the Louvre has reopened while security protocols undergo review.

Interpol notices remain in effect as authorities track potential international movements of the jewels, which experts say could be difficult but not impossible to sell intact, given their notoriety.

What’s next: Police are scrutinising CCTV, phone data, and logistics tied to the lift truck and getaway route, while art-crime specialists work markets and contacts where high-profile pieces are sometimes broken up for parts.

Officials say early, visible progress, additional arrests, and the recovery of intact items will be critical to restoring public confidence and deterring copycat attempts.

Sources: Reuters; Associated Press; The Guardian; Al Jazeera; ABC News; Le Monde; NPR.