Inside the Louvre Heist: What We Know About the Suspects and the $100M Napoleonic Jewels

Inside the Louvre Heist: What We Know About the Suspects

Paris state prosecutor Laure Beccuau, with officials from the BRB (Brigade de Répression du Banditisme) and the Central Office for Combating Trafficking in Cultural Property (OCBC), has opened a judicial probe into last month’s audacious theft from the Louvre. Authorities say four people are now formally charged in connection with the daylight raid that targeted priceless Napoleonic crown jewels.

What happened

Investigators say the theft lasted under eight minutes on the morning of October 19. Two of the four thieves entered via the Seine-facing facade shortly after the museum opened, used a cherry picker to reach a first-floor window and accessed the Apollo Gallery, less than 300 yards from the Mona Lisa. Security footage shows the perpetrators entering calmly, smashing display cases and seizing eight pieces of historic jewelry.

Suspects and charges

Prosecutors charged a 38-year-old woman and a 37-year-old man on Saturday, bringing to four the total number of people charged. The 37-year-old faces charges of theft by an organised gang and criminal conspiracy; his DNA was matched to material found inside the basket lift used to reach a museum window. The 38-year-old woman is accused as an accomplice. Both defendants deny involvement and remain in custody while the inquiry continues.

Two other men, aged 34 and 39 and from north of Paris, were charged earlier with the same offences. The 34-year-old was arrested at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport as he prepared to board a flight to Algeria; his DNA matched traces found on a getaway scooter. Three additional people arrested in connection with the case have since been released.

Beccuau told reporters that two suspected members of the group, described in French media as a 'commando' team, have long histories of theft-related convictions: the 39-year-old has 15 convictions, including two for theft, and the 37-year-old has 11 prior convictions, ten of them for theft.

The stolen jewels

The haul reportedly included emerald- and sapphire-studded diadems, necklaces and brooches once worn by the wives of Napoleon Bonaparte and other 19th-century royals. One major item, the Empress’s crown set with more than 1,000 stones, was later found outside the museum. Other pieces said to be taken include a tiara and necklace linked to Queen Marie-Amélie and items tied to Queen Hortense. Officials estimate the collection's value at around $100 million.

Investigation, security and reactions

Beccuau warned that media leaks risk hampering detectives and said investigators are exploring all channels where the jewels might be trafficked, including potential money-laundering routes. France’s culture minister, Rachida Dati, described the operation as 'very professional' and said there was 'no violence' during the raid.

The theft has intensified scrutiny of national security systems and placed pressure on President Emmanuel Macron and Louvre director Laurence des Cars. President Macron called the incident 'an attack on a heritage that we cherish because it is our history' and vowed to recover the items and bring those responsible to justice. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin acknowledged serious security failures and confirmed a full review is under way after the discovery that a freight lift could be placed on a public street outside the museum without detection.

Legal status and next steps

The investigation remains active. Prosecutors continue to question suspects, trace forensic evidence and follow leads on the possible sale or laundering of the jewels. No reliable public indication yet suggests that the remaining stolen items have been recovered.

Key facts: 8 items taken, 4 suspects charged, at least one item recovered, estimated value about $100M, full security review under way.