French authorities confirmed multiple suspects were arrested in connection with a high-profile theft of crown jewels from the Louvre Museum in Paris last weekend. The heist, which saw prized artifacts valued at 88 million euros ($102 million) stolen in under eight minutes, has drawn global attention and raised questions about museum security.
Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau revealed that arrests were made on Saturday evening, including a suspect attempting to flee the country via Charles de Gaulle airport. While the exact number of detainees remains undisclosed, French media reported two individuals were taken into custody. Beccuau emphasized that details about the investigation and recovery efforts would be shared after the suspects’ initial detention period concludes.
The thieves allegedly used a basket lift to scale the Louvre’s exterior, force open a window, and smash display cases before escaping. The museum’s director, Laurence des Cars, acknowledged a “terrible failure” in security protocols. A German firm, Bocker, which manufactured the ladder truck used in the heist, later released an Instagram ad jokingly promoting its equipment as ideal for “those in a hurry,” highlighting its capacity to lift 400kg of treasures at 42 meters per minute.
Despite the ad’s lighthearted tone, footage showed thieves moving slowly in the basket before fleeing on motorcycles. Investigators from a specialized police unit are now working to recover the stolen items and identify all perpetrators.
