French police arrest 2 suspects in $102M Louvre Museum heist
What's the story
French authorities have announced the arrest of two suspects involved in the recent theft of crown jewels from the Louvre Museum in Paris. The first suspect was apprehended at Charles de Gaulle Airport while trying to board a flight at 10pm local time, according to reports from news agency AFP. The second suspect was arrested shortly after in the Paris region.
Heist overview
Robbers escaped with jewels on motorbikes
The daring heist took place last Sunday when a group of thieves used power tools to break into the museum during opening hours. They escaped with eight priceless items, worth an estimated $102 million, on motorbikes, resulting in a nationwide manhunt. A new video showed two robbers escaping with the jewels in construction gear using a hydraulic lift.
Twitter Post
New footage of suspects escaping Louvre
New footage reveals the bold Louvre heist: two thieves lowering themselves from a balcony on a stolen lift, jewels in hand. They hijacked the lift days earlier, disguised it, and tried to torch it—but guards intervened. Still on the run with $96M in loot. pic.twitter.com/QY7ZpahwF8
— Polymarket Intel (@PolymarketIntel) October 23, 2025
Priceless jewels
Stolen items include crowns, necklaces worn by French royalty
The stolen items include Empress Eugenie's tiara and crown, a necklace and earrings sapphire set worn by Queen Marie Amelie, and a necklace with emerald earrings given to Empress Marie Louise. Seven of the eight stolen items were acquired in the past four decades. France's Ministry of Culture has said these jewels have "priceless heritage value."
Ongoing investigation
Investigation launched into robbery as security lapses come under fire
The investigation into this high-profile robbery has been entrusted to a specialized Paris police unit called BRB, which has dealt with high-profile robberies in the past. The Louvre Museum, which attracts up to 30,000 visitors daily, houses over 33,000 artefacts, including the Mona Lisa. However, security lapses during the heist have raised concerns, and France's Justice Minister admitted that museum security protocols "failed."