Paris police have arrested two men in connection with the daring theft of jewels worth €88 million (£76m; $102m) from the world-famous Louvre Museum last Sunday.
The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed that one suspect was arrested as he was preparing to board a flight from Charles de Gaulle Airport. Both men are now in police custody and can be questioned for up to 96 hours by specialist officers. Authorities, however, did not specify whether more suspects could still be at large.
The robbery, which took place in broad daylight, exposed serious flaws in the security arrangements of the world’s most-visited museum. France’s Justice Minister admitted that security protocols “failed,” leaving the country with a “terrible image” internationally.
According to investigators, four thieves arrived at the museum at 09:30 local time (06:30 GMT), shortly after it opened to visitors. They carried a vehicle-mounted mechanical lift to access the Galerie d’Apollon (Gallery of Apollo) via a first-floor balcony overlooking the River Seine.
Pictures from the scene showed a ladder leading up to the window, through which two of the robbers entered after cutting it open with power tools. They then threatened the museum guards, who were forced to evacuate, and smashed the glass cases containing some of France’s most valuable jewels.
Police reports reveal that the thieves spent only four minutes inside the museum before escaping on two scooters waiting outside at 09:38.
A preliminary report also found serious gaps in the museum’s surveillance system. According to French media, one in three rooms in the area of the heist had no CCTV coverage, making it easier for the robbers to operate undetected.
French authorities have criticised the “premature disclosure” of details about the robbery, saying it hindered recovery efforts and could compromise ongoing investigations. The prosecutor’s office urged the public and media to exercise caution, noting that the case remains under tight security review.
Following the theft, France has stepped up security measures at cultural institutions nationwide, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future. Museum officials are also reviewing internal security procedures, including installing additional cameras and strengthening display cases.
The Louvre, renowned for housing some of the world’s most iconic artworks, including the Mona Lisa, has vowed full cooperation with the police. Museum staff have described the robbery as “unprecedented” and are working closely with law enforcement to track down the stolen jewels.
Meanwhile, the arrests have provided a rare breakthrough in what was considered a high-risk, highly coordinated heist. Authorities are optimistic that with the ongoing investigation and international cooperation, the remaining stolen items can be recovered and the suspects brought to justice.
The daring robbery has sparked international concern, highlighting the vulnerability even of top cultural institutions in major cities. Paris residents and visitors continue to express shock over the boldness of the crime, which was carried out under the eyes of potential witnesses in broad daylight.
