Prosecutors have charged four people over the Louvre’s jewel robbery on 19 October. Investigators say the crew used a stolen truck and a lift to reach the first floor, smashed display cases, and sped off on scooters within minutes. The haul, valued at about €88 million, included royal-era pieces linked to Napoleon’s family. During the escape, officials recovered one crown dropped in the street. The Louvre jewellery heist suspects remain under investigation as the search for the gems continues.
‘Petty Criminals’, Not A Cartel
Paris’s prosecutor described the operation as the work of “petty criminals” from the northern suburbs rather than a sophisticated cartel. The assessment follows early arrests and forensic leads from tools and vehicles left behind. At least one suspect remains at large, and the jewels have not been found.
New Defendants and DNA Leads
Two new defendants—a 38-year-old woman and a 37-year-old man—appeared in court and were remanded. Investigators say DNA linked at least one suspect to the lift used in the heist. Both defendants deny involvement. The court proceedings against the Louvre jewellery heist suspects will continue while investigators test additional items for traces.
Earlier Arrests and Partial Admissions
Authorities had already charged two men days after the theft. Officers detained one at Charles de Gaulle Airport and traced another through DNA on a scooter believed to be part of the getaway. Investigators say the pair have partially admitted involvement, yet they have not disclosed the location of the missing jewels.
Prior Convictions Surface
Officials revealed that two of the accused previously stood trial together for a 2015 theft case and carry multiple prior convictions. That history supports the view that a street-level crew executed the raid, not a high-end “mastermind” team.
What Investigators Probe Next
Police are examining whether the pieces moved quickly into black-market networks or were earmarked for resale after re-setting. For now, the Louvre jewellery heist suspects face mounting charges while France waits to see if its lost treasures resurface.
