BREAKING: New reports confirm that two suspects in the recent Louvre Museum jewel heist have a troubling history, with prior theft convictions stemming from a case a decade ago. As of today, three out of four alleged thieves are in custody, intensifying the investigation into this high-profile crime.
Laure Beccuau, Paris prosecutor, revealed that DNA from a 37-year-old man charged on Saturday was found in the basket lift used to access the museum’s window. He faces preliminary charges of theft by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy, with a staggering 11 previous convictions, 10 of which are for theft. Another suspect, a 39-year-old man, also faces similar charges and has 15 prior convictions, including two for theft.
“What’s interesting about these records is that they were both involved in the same theft case, for which they were convicted in Paris in 2015,” Beccuau stated, highlighting the suspects’ long history of crime. Adding to the complexity, a 34-year-old man suspected of being part of the so-called “commando” team was also charged this week. Meanwhile, a 38-year-old woman, the longtime partner of the 37-year-old suspect, has been charged with complicity.
All four suspects are currently in custody as authorities work to unravel the details surrounding the heist. Beccuau noted that investigators are exploring various avenues regarding the stolen jewels, including the potential for them to be sold on the parallel market. “It could be used for money laundering, it could be used for trade; all leads are being explored,” she emphasized.
In a related interview with Le Parisien newspaper, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez expressed optimism about the investigation’s progress. “There are four perpetrators, at least one of whom remains at large, plus possibly those who ordered the crime and the jewelry,” he stated. However, he tempered his expectations regarding the quick recovery of the stolen items, saying, “My optimism doesn’t extend to thinking that the loot will be recovered quickly.”
This latest development highlights not just the suspects’ criminal histories but also the urgency of the investigation as authorities race against time to recover the stolen jewels. The implications of this theft resonate beyond the museum, raising concerns about security and organized crime in Paris. As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on the police as they continue to pursue leads in this high-stakes case.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops, and witness how these unfolding events could impact the world of art crime and security measures moving forward.
