The Louvre Theft coup

Two Arrested for Louvre Jewel Heist – Suspect Was About to Leave the Country

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of involvement in the Louvre jewel heist. French police have confirmed this after several newspapers published the information.

The French newspaper Paris Match and BFM TV also have information about the arrest and write that one of the suspects was arrested at Charles de Gaulle Airport. He is said to have been on his way to board a flight to Algeria.

A few hours later, another man was arrested in a suburb of Paris. According to Le Figaro, he had plans to flee to Mali.

The men are suspected of being part of the group of four people who carried out the theft at the world-famous museum in Paris.

The thieves stole crown jewels worth around 88 million euros, equivalent to almost one billion kronor. 

The prosecutor regrets that the arrests became known

The French prosecutor leading the investigation into the jewel theft in Paris regrets that it has become public knowledge that two people have been arrested, writes Le Figaro. In a written statement, prosecutor Laure Beccuau writes that the revelation could harm the investigation. She also writes that it is too early to comment on the information further.

The news of the arrests came on Sunday morning. According to several French media, the two arrested were on their way to leave the country. According to Le Figaro, one was on his way to Algeria and the other to Mali. 

The coup against the Louvre – that's the point

• A well-planned robbery was carried out against the Louvre in Paris on the morning of October 19, 2025, where priceless jewelry from the collection of Napoleon and the Empress was stolen.
• The thieves used a crane and angle grinder to get into the Apollo Gallery and the theft was over in less than seven minutes; they fled on mopeds towards the A6 motorway.
• Among the stolen items were a tiara, necklace, brooch and earrings, several of high cultural and historical value and a total value of almost one billion kronor; Empress Eugénie's crown was found damaged outside the museum.
• The Louvre's security has been criticized after the coup, as modernization of the security system has been postponed and lack of resources has led to shortcomings; the museum director has been questioned in the Senate and President Macron has demanded stricter measures.
• Two suspects were arrested, one at Charles de Gaulle airport and one in a Paris suburb, both on their way to leave the country; the prosecutor has regretted that the arrests were made public as it could affect the investigation.