The glittering mystery behind one of Europe’s most daring museum robberies has deepened. French authorities have arrested five more suspects in connection with the ₹790-crore jewellery heist at Paris’s world-famous Louvre Museum, where priceless French crown jewels vanished earlier this month.
Crackdown Across Paris Suburbs
Paris public prosecutor Laure Beccuau confirmed that late-night raids were conducted across Paris and Seine-Saint-Denis, leading to the capture of five individuals suspected of involvement in the heist. One of them is believed to be a direct member of the four-man team that carried out the audacious robbery.
Two men arrested earlier — both in their thirties and with criminal histories — had already “partially admitted” their roles. However, the fourth suspect remains at large, sparking a manhunt that has spread beyond France’s borders.
Phones, encrypted devices, and documents seized during the operation are now under forensic analysis. Investigators hope to uncover the digital footprint of an international crime network possibly behind the theft.
DNA Evidence Could Crack the Case
Authorities have hinted at a breakthrough. DNA samples collected at the Louvre’s Galerie d’Apollon, where the theft occurred, appear to match one of the suspects arrested on Wednesday. Beccuau stated, “We had him under observation for several days. His DNA could be the key to unmasking the others.”
Officials added that these arrests are based on independent forensic and surveillance evidence, not on information from prior suspects — suggesting a widening investigation that goes beyond the initial group of thieves.
The 4-Minute Heist That Shocked Europe
The heist, carried out with surgical precision, took place on October 19 at 9:30 a.m., moments after the museum opened to the public. The robbers used a stolen vehicle-mounted lift to access a balcony overlooking the Seine, cut through display cases with industrial tools, and vanished in just four minutes.
They fled first on scooters before switching to cars, leaving behind almost no trace. Miraculously, no visitors or staff were harmed. However, French Justice Minister Éric Dupond-Moretti later admitted that “security lapses at the Louvre made this possible.”
Historic Jewels Still Missing
The missing treasures include the diamond-and-pearl tiara of Empress Eugénie, the Marie-Louise necklace, and emerald-encrusted earrings — all part of France’s imperial collection and considered irreplaceable national heritage.
Despite weeks of investigation, the jewels remain unrecovered. Authorities suspect they may have already been smuggled out of Europe or dismantled into smaller pieces to erase their identity.
Tightened Security and National Outrage
In the aftermath, France has launched an extensive review of museum and heritage security systems. The Louvre has moved several remaining jewels to a vault 26 metres underground at the Bank of France, one of the most secure facilities in the nation.
Cultural commentators have called the theft “a national humiliation”, while art security experts warn it could embolden global art thieves to target European museums with similar methods.
A Heist Straight Out of a Movie
The Louvre robbery has captivated the world — not only for its value but for its cinematic precision. As one investigator told Le Monde, “They moved like ghosts — in and out before anyone noticed.”
With five new arrests and growing international cooperation, French police now hope to unravel the entire criminal web and recover what remains of France’s lost crown jewels.
