The hunt continues for the thieves involved in the Louvre heist after the first suspects were arrested by French police, reports BritPanorama.
The breakthrough occurred one week after robbers infiltrated the Galerie d’Apollon, where they threatened guards and used drills to access display cases, escaping on scooters with eight of France’s crown jewels valued at approximately $102 million.
A significant police operation is ongoing to locate the remaining thieves, who were captured on camera as they fled the scene.
Although specific details remain under wraps, AFP has reported that two men have been taken into custody on charges of organized theft and criminal conspiracy.
One suspect was apprehended at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport while allegedly preparing to leave the country, according to Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau.
Authorities have confirmed that DNA evidence collected at the crime scene aided in identifying the suspects.
“Thanks to the work of the forensic police, we were able to find DNA and identify these individuals recorded in our national police databases,” stated Axel Ronde, a spokesperson for the French police union CFTC, during an interview with French television channel CNews.
He noted that the suspects have prior convictions and were already known to law enforcement for their involvement in organized thefts, including targeting jewelry stores.
In this organized crime investigation, police may detain suspects for up to 96 hours without formally charging them, extending the usual 48-hour limit.
Beccuau indicated that investigators are still searching for the stolen jewels and other suspects but cautioned that it is “too early” for additional public updates.
She promised to share more information once the police custody period concludes, emphasizing her desire not to jeopardize the ongoing investigation.
