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Louvre Jewels Stolen: 7-Minute Heist Stuns Paris
19 Nov
Summary
- Four robbers stole priceless jewels in a swift seven-minute heist.
- Suspects are described as local petty criminals, not organized crime.
- DNA evidence led to the swift arrest of key suspects at the airport.
Four robbers executed a swift seven-minute heist at the Louvre, stealing an estimated $100 million worth of historical jewels, including items once owned by Napoleon and French queens. This audacious crime, which targeted artifacts deeply significant to French history, initially suggested the work of sophisticated criminals. However, investigations revealed the suspects to be local petty criminals, rather than members of organized crime syndicates.
The investigation heavily relied on forensic evidence. DNA recovered from tools and the getaway scooter, combined with surveillance footage and license plate readers, allowed investigators to quickly identify and track suspects. A 34-year-old Algerian suspect was apprehended at Charles de Gaulle Airport as he was about to board a flight to Algiers, based on DNA matching evidence found at the scene.
Further forensic analysis and subsequent surveillance led to the arrest of a second key suspect, an unlicensed taxi driver with a prior record. While the jewels have not yet been recovered, French prosecutors have indicated that three individuals are believed to have been directly involved in the robbery, and the investigation continues to determine the full extent of involvement and recover the stolen treasures.
