Louvre Heist Carried Out by Local Small-Time Criminals

Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau announced that the recent Louvre Museum jewel heist — which stunned France and the world — was not the work of organized crime professionals, but rather small-time local offenders.

“This isn’t an everyday crime… but it’s also not the kind we usually associate with the upper levels of organized crime,” Beccuau stated.

So far, four suspects — including one woman — have been arrested and charged. All are residents of Seine-Saint-Denis, a deprived area just north of Paris. One suspect remains at large.

Two of the male suspects were already known to police and have multiple prior theft convictions. A 38-year-old woman has been charged with complicity in organized theft and criminal conspiracy, while a 37-year-old man faces charges of theft and participation in a criminal organization. Both deny any involvement.

Authorities say two previously arrested men have partially confessed to their roles in the crime and are being prosecuted for theft and organized crime participation.

The October 19 robbery involved the theft of jewels worth €88 million from the Louvre Museum, one of the most visited museums in the world.

Source: BBC News