Read on PBS NewsTwo New Suspects Charged in Louvre Crown Jewels Heist Investigation
French authorities have charged two additional suspects in connection with the high-profile crown jewels heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris. The Paris prosecutor announced that a 37-year-old man and 38-year-old woman face preliminary charges for their alleged roles in the organized theft that occurred on October 19, 2025. The stolen collection, valued at approximately $102 million, includes historically significant pieces gifted by Napoleon and other French royalty. The investigation involves about 100 investigators working seven days a week to recover the missing treasures and identify all participants in the sophisticated robbery.
The Paris prosecutor's office has intensified its investigation into the brazen crown jewels theft at the Louvre Museum, announcing preliminary charges against two additional suspects just days after their arrest. According to official statements from prosecutor Laure Beccuau, the new developments mark significant progress in the high-stakes investigation that has captivated international attention since the October 19 heist.
Latest Suspects and Charges
The prosecutor confirmed that a 37-year-old male suspect has been charged with theft by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy. Authorities note that this individual was previously known to law enforcement for involvement in other theft cases. The second suspect, a 38-year-old woman, faces charges as an accomplice in the sophisticated operation. Both individuals have been incarcerated following their preliminary charges, though they maintain their innocence regarding the allegations.
According to the prosecutor's statement, both suspects denied any involvement in the heist during questioning. The woman's defense attorney, Adrien Sorrentino, told reporters that his client is "devastated" by the accusations and "does not understand how she is implicated in any of the elements she is accused of." The emotional response highlights the serious nature of the charges and the potential consequences facing the accused.
Investigation Progress and Methodology
The investigation has mobilized approximately 100 investigators working seven days a week, with forensic teams analyzing about 150 samples and securing 189 items as evidence. Prosecutor Beccuau praised what she described as an "exceptional mobilization" of resources dedicated to solving the high-profile case. The coordinated effort reflects the significance of the stolen artifacts and the international attention surrounding the theft.
French investigation procedures maintain strict confidentiality under the "secret d'instruction" policy, which aims to protect police work and ensure victims' privacy rights. This legal framework restricts public disclosure of investigation details, with only the prosecutor authorized to share official developments. The policy helps prevent compromise of ongoing investigative efforts while ensuring proper judicial process.
Broader Context and Previous Arrests
These latest charges follow the earlier apprehension of five individuals on Wednesday, including one suspect linked to the crime scene through DNA evidence. That individual is believed to have been part of the four-person team that used a freight lift truck to access the museum. Two male suspects from Aubervilliers, aged 34 and 39, were charged earlier this week with similar offenses of theft by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy.
According to investigative findings, the robbery team executed their plan with remarkable efficiency, completing the theft in less than eight minutes. The perpetrators used disc cutters to breach two display cases before fleeing on two scooters toward eastern Paris. Authorities credit the "near-simultaneous" arrival of police and museum security with preventing the destruction of crucial evidence, as the thieves apparently intended to set fire to the freight lift used in their escape.
The stolen collection represents an immense cultural and historical loss, valued at approximately $102 million. The missing items include a diamond-and-emerald necklace that Napoleon presented to Empress Marie-Louise as a wedding gift, jewels associated with 19th-century Queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense, and Empress Eugénie's pearl-and-diamond tiara. Despite the extensive investigation, none of the stolen jewels have been recovered to date.
As the investigation continues, authorities remain focused on identifying any potential wider network beyond the four individuals captured on surveillance footage. The methodical approach and continued arrests demonstrate the French justice system's determination to address this significant cultural property crime and recover the nation's priceless heritage.
