Two men arrested in connection with the $102 million Louvre jewellery theft could face charges as Paris prosecutor prepares to update investigation.
PARIS: Two men could face charges on Wednesday in connection with the spectacular theft of priceless jewels from the Louvre museum.
Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau promised an update in the case involving the October 19 heist that saw thieves steal jewellery estimated to be worth more than $102 million.
The suspects were arrested on Saturday with their custody due to expire on Wednesday evening.
Beccuau’s office said she would hold a press conference at 17:00 local time to provide details.
A source close to the case said both men in their thirties were known to police for previous thefts.
One suspect was arrested while attempting to board a flight to Algeria from Charles de Gaulle airport.
Investigators have been tracking four thieves who used a cherry-picker truck and cutting gear to break into a first-floor gallery.
The burglars wore balaclavas and high-visibility vests during the morning heist.
They made off with eight items of jewellery including an emerald-and-diamond necklace Napoleon I gave his wife.
Also stolen was a diadem belonging to Empress Eugenie featuring nearly 2,000 diamonds.
The thieves dropped a diamond-and-emerald-studded crown during their escape.
Police found a yellow vest believed to belong to one culprit several minutes away by scooter.
Beccuau previously told media detectives were investigating 150 DNA samples, fingerprints and other traces.
Security cameras helped track the thieves through Paris and surrounding regions.
The brazen theft has inspired Halloween costumes featuring balaclavas, tiaras and yellow vests.
It has also sparked debate about security at French cultural institutions.
Louvre director Laurence des Cars admitted security cameras didn’t adequately cover the thieves’ entry point.
She defended a multi-million dollar plan to increase museum security. – AFP
