Louvre heist suspects 'partially recognise' involvement, stolen jewels still missing

French prosecutors said on Wednesday (October 29) that two men arrested on suspicion of stealing jewels from the Louvre Museum have “partially admitted” their involvement in the daring daylight robbery — but the stolen treasures are still missing.

The heist took place on the morning of October 19, when four hooded thieves broke into the museum’s Apollo Gallery, home to the French Crown Jewels, during opening hours. The suspects entered through an upstairs window before escaping with the jewels, exposing serious security lapses at the world’s most-visited museum.

Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau told reporters that the two detained men were suspected of entering the gallery while two accomplices waited on the street below. “Both have partially admitted their involvement to investigators,” she said.

Beccuau confirmed that one of the suspects, a 34-year-old Algerian man, was arrested at Charles de Gaulle Airport as he prepared to travel to Algeria without a return ticket. The second suspect, a 39-year-old French citizen from Aubervilliers, was detained near his home later that evening.

The first man, a former garbage collector and delivery driver, was identified through DNA traces found on one of the scooters used in the escape. The second suspect, who has prior convictions for aggravated theft, was linked to the crime by DNA found on a broken display case and other items left behind.

Both men have been presented to magistrates for indictment on charges of theft by an organised gang and criminal conspiracy, offences that carry sentences of up to 15 years in prison and substantial fines. Prosecutors have requested their pretrial detention, pending further questioning.

Beccuau said investigators believe at least four perpetrators were directly involved, but did not rule out the possibility of a larger network, including a potential mastermind or intended buyer.

“The jewels are, as I am speaking to you now, not yet in our possession,” Beccuau said. “I want to hold on to hope that they will be recovered and returned to the Louvre Museum — and to the nation. These jewels are now, of course, unsellable. Anyone who buys them would themselves be guilty of receiving stolen goods.”

The theft has shocked France and sparked an international outcry, with many describing it as a national humiliation. Security measures at the Louvre are now under review as police continue their search for the remaining suspects and the missing jewels.

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