French law enforcement agencies have arrested two suspects in connection with a major theft at the Louvre, one of the world's most famous museums. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
According to BBC, the information was also confirmed by the Paris prosecutor's office. Officials have not yet disclosed the number of detainees, but initial reports indicate that one of them was stopped at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport while about to board a flight abroad.
The second suspect was arrested in the suburb of Saint-Denis near Paris. Sources say both individuals had previously been under police surveillance and were suspected of criminal activity.
According to AFP agency, one of the suspects was planning to fly to Algeria. The robbery at the Louvre occurred last Sunday during the daytime.
The criminals entered the museum via the stairs, cut through a window pane to get inside, opened metal safes, and stole valuable artifacts. The crime lasted only eight minutes and involved four masked individuals.
Two of them were inside the building, while the others acted as lookouts outside. Investigators believe the crime was well-planned and carried out professionally.
Paris prosecutor Laura Beccu stated in response to a BBC inquiry on Saturday that investigators made the arrests on the evening of October 25. According to her, one of the suspects attempted to leave the country.
The investigation is currently in an active phase, and the interrogation process may be extended up to 96 hours. The prosecutor emphasized that prematurely revealing investigation details could negatively impact the case.
Among the stolen items are 19th-century jewelry adorned with diamonds and precious stones belonging to Napoleon Bonaparte and his family members, including diadems and necklaces. Their total value is estimated at approximately 88 million euros, equivalent to 102 million dollars.
Some experts believe the thieves might try to dismantle the items and sell them at prices below their historical value. The French Minister of Justice described the incident as a significant loss to the country's cultural heritage and acknowledged that security measures at the museum were insufficient.
Additionally, a crown belonging to Empress Eugénie was found near the crime scene. These items may have been abandoned or lost by the thieves during their escape.
The investigation is ongoing. The French media are calling this event the "theft of the century" because it represents a major loss not only financially but also culturally and historically.
