Two men arrested for the Louvre museum jewel theft will be charged with organised theft and criminal conspiracy, prosecutor confirms
PARIS: Two men arrested in connection with the multi-million dollar jewel heist at the Louvre museum will be charged with theft and criminal conspiracy.
Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau announced the suspects would face charges of organised theft carrying a 15-year sentence and criminal conspiracy punishable by 10 years.
The men partially admitted to their involvement in the brazen daylight robbery that netted jewellery valued at over 102 million dollars.
Beccuau confirmed that the stolen jewels have not yet been recovered but expressed hope they would be found.
Investigators identified one suspect through DNA traces found on a scooter used during the getaway from the October 19 theft.
The 34-year-old Algerian national living in France was arrested at Charles de Gaulle airport while attempting to board a flight to Algeria without a return ticket.
Authorities apprehended the second suspect, a 39-year-old unlicensed taxi driver from Aubervilliers, near his home with no evidence he planned to travel abroad.
Both individuals were previously known to police for theft-related offences.
The prosecutor stated investigators are certain four perpetrators executed the heist using a cherry-picker truck and cutting equipment.
They broke into the Apollo Gallery on the museum’s first floor while accomplices waited outside.
Beccuau noted investigators haven’t ruled out the possibility of additional involvement from backers or intended recipients of the stolen jewels.
The thieves dropped a diamond and emerald crown belonging to Empress Eugenie during their escape.
Louvre director Laurence des Cars confirmed the recovered crown would require delicate restoration work.
Eight other jewellery pieces remain missing including an emerald and diamond necklace Napoleon I gave his wife Empress Marie-Louise.
The high-profile theft has inspired Halloween costumes featuring black balaclavas, tiaras and high-visibility vests.
It has also triggered national debate about security measures at French cultural institutions.
Security cameras failed to adequately cover the thieves’ entry point according to the Louvre director.
She defended a multi-million dollar security enhancement plan for the museum following the incident. – AFP
