New Arrests in Dramatic Musée du Louvre Jewel Heist — French Prosecutor Rolls Out Updates

On October 19, 2025, thieves executed a daring theft at the Musée du Louvre in Paris — entering the famed Galerie d’Apollon and making off with historic crown jewels valued at roughly €88 million (about US $102 million).

Arrests Advance the Investigation

In recent days, investigators have taken significant steps:

Two men in their 30s were arrested on the evening of October 25, one of whom was detained at Paris‑Charles‑de‑Gaulle Airport while attempting to flee the country.

On October 29, five additional suspects were taken into custody in coordinated raids across Paris, according to the Paris prosecutor.

The two originally arrested suspects have “partially admitted” their involvement and may face charges for organised theft and criminal conspiracy under French law.

How the Heist Unfolded

The robbery was swift and calculated:

The thieves reportedly disguised themselves as maintenance workers and used a furniture lift from a truck to access a balcony of the museum’s south side.

Once inside, they cut through a glass window to gain entry to the gallery, smashed display cases with power tools and fled, reportedly within seven to eight minutes.

The stolen pieces included tiaras, necklaces and a brooch linked to French royalty — for example, jewellery belonging to Empress Eugénie and Queen Marie‑Amélie.

Security Failings Draw Criticism

The incident has triggered widespread concern over the museum’s security protocols:

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez called the theft a “major robbery” and said the remaining jewels had been transferred to more secure vaults.

The museum’s director admitted that in the area targeted — the Galerie d’Apollon — some security cameras were mis‑oriented or lacked coverage, and major upgrades remain incomplete.

Prosecutor Laure Beccuau warned that early media leaks about arrests were undermining the investigation: “This revelation can only harm the investigative efforts.”

What Comes Next

While arrests have been made, key questions remain:

None of the stolen jewels have yet been recovered. Investigators are racing against time to prevent the pieces from being dismantled or smuggled abroad.

Authorities suspect the heist may have been orchestrated by a wider network beyond the four men seen on CCTV, and they have not ruled out inside assistance.

The legal process will determine how many of the suspects will face charges for organised theft and conspiracy. The preliminary indications are serious: organised theft can carry up to 15 years in prison under French law.