Paris Police Arrest Two Suspects in $102 Million Louvre Crown Jewels Heist

French officials have apprehended two suspects linked to the audacious theft of precious crown jewels from the Louvre Museum, the world’s most visited museum, according to news agencies, citing sources close to the investigation.

One suspect was detained on Saturday at 10:00 PM (2000 GMT) at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport while attempting to board an international flight. The second was arrested shortly afterwards in the Paris region. The dramatic heist occurred last Sunday when thieves used a crane to smash an upstairs window during museum hours, stealing eight historic jewellery pieces valued at approximately $102 million before fleeing on motorbikes.

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Security footage released earlier this week captured the robbers, disguised in construction attire, escaping with the jewels using a hydraulic lift. Another video showed one of the culprits cutting through a glass display case as visitors passed by, unaware of the crime unfolding.

The investigation has been assigned to the Paris police’s specialised Brigade de Répression du Banditisme (BRB), known for handling high-profile robberies.

The stolen items, spanning two centuries of French royal history, include a tiara and crown belonging to Empress Eugenie, crafted by jeweller Alexandre-Gabriel Lemonnier after her 1853 marriage to Napoleon III. The crown was abandoned during the thieves’ escape.

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A pearl-adorned tiara worn by Empress Eugenie, a sapphire necklace and earrings set worn by Queen Marie Amelie, consort of King Louis-Philippe (1830–1848), and Queen Hortense, mother of Napoleon III and an emerald necklace and earrings, a wedding gift from Napoleon I to Empress Marie Louise, designed by jeweller Francois-Regnault Nitot.

Seven of the eight pieces were acquired by the Louvre over the past 40 years, and France’s Ministry of Culture described them as having “priceless heritage value.” Art historian Rykner noted that while their cultural significance is immeasurable, their monetary value can be estimated.

The Louvre, which attracts up to 30,000 visitors daily and houses over 33,000 artefacts, is renowned for masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory of Samothrace. The heist has sparked a nationwide manhunt and heightened scrutiny of museum security protocols.