Four Additional Suspects Detained in Paris as Investigation Expands Into $100M Louvre Crown Jewel Heist
PARIS, FRANCE — French authorities have detained four more suspects in the investigation of the stunning October 19 crown-jewel heist at the Louvre Museum, marking a significant expansion of the case as police continue to search for the missing artifacts valued at more than $100 million.
Four New Suspects Taken Into Custody in Paris Region
The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed that two men, ages 38 and 39, and two women, ages 31 and 40, were detained this week. All four live in the Paris region and are now being questioned by investigators who are piecing together the high-profile theft.
These arrests add to the four suspects previously detained in late October, including three men charged with organized robbery and a fourth woman charged with complicity.
According to French outlet BFMTV, one of the newly detained individuals may be the fourth member of the burglary team that physically carried out the heist.
The prosecutor has not yet released details regarding potential charges for the newest suspects.
Heist Used Truck-Mounted Ladder to Break Into Apollo Gallery
The robbery took place inside the Apollo Gallery, one of the Louvre’s most ornate and historically significant rooms — and home to the French crown jewels.
Investigators say the thieves used a truck-mounted ladder to climb through a window on the upper floor. Once inside, the group smashed into two high-security display cases and escaped with nine priceless items, including:
- A diamond and sapphire parure worn by Queen Marie-Amélie
- A historical jewelry set belonging to Queen Hortense
The entire operation reportedly lasted seven minutes.
Despite the thieves’ precision, their escape was not flawless: the imperial crown of Empress Eugénie, boasting 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds, slipped from their grasp and was recovered at the scene.
Jewels Still Missing as Investigators Explore Possible Damage
Although suspects have been identified and detained, none of the stolen jewels have been recovered. Their whereabouts — and condition — remain unknown.
Experts are divided:
- Some fear the jewelry may have been melted down, making recovery nearly impossible.
- Others believe the quick arrests suggest the items could still be intact.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the jewels remain in France or may have been moved abroad.
A Global Spotlight on Security at the World’s Most Visited Museum
The Louvre, which welcomes more than 7 million visitors annually, has faced international scrutiny over how thieves breached its security system so quickly. The Apollo Gallery, renowned for its royal artifacts, has historically been considered one of the museum’s most protected rooms.
French officials say the investigation will continue to expand as they analyze digital evidence, trace financial movements, and interrogate the growing list of suspects.
ChicagoMusicGuide.com will provide updates as new details emerge in this unfolding international investigation.