Post by : Rameen Ariff

Authorities in Paris have charged four suspects, including a couple with children, in connection with the dramatic $102 million jewel heist at the Louvre, the world’s most-visited art museum. The robbery, which took place in broad daylight last month, has shocked France with its speed, precision, and scale.

The four-member gang reportedly carried out the theft in just seven minutes, using an extendable ladder to reach the museum’s Apollo Gallery — home to the French crown jewels. They smashed through a window and used angle grinders to cut through reinforced glass display cases before escaping on scooters.

Two of the suspects, believed to be the ones who broke into the gallery, were detained earlier this week. Over the weekend, prosecutors confirmed that two additional suspects — a 37-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman who are a couple — were also arrested and charged.

Small-Time Criminals Behind The Major Louvre Robbery

Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau revealed that investigators believe the suspects are small-time criminals, not linked to organized crime syndicates. “Their profiles do not correspond to those generally associated with the upper echelons of organized crime,” Beccuau said.

Both the man and woman reportedly lived in the northern suburbs of Paris, with their DNA found on the basket lift used in the robbery. While the man has refused to make a statement, the woman denied any involvement and broke down in tears during her court appearance, expressing fear for her children.

The man, who has 11 prior convictions—mostly for theft—has been charged with organized theft and criminal conspiracy. His partner faces charges of complicity in organized theft and conspiracy.

The Hunt For The Missing Jewels Continues

Authorities are still searching for at least one more suspect, as well as the eight missing pieces of jewellery taken during the heist. Among the stolen items are an emerald-and-diamond necklace gifted by Napoleon I to Empress Marie-Louise.

In their haste, the thieves dropped a diamond and emerald crown belonging to Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III. Investigators believe the stolen jewels could soon surface on the black market as part of money-laundering operations.

“All avenues are being explored,” Beccuau said. “We are examining all the possibilities offered by the black market for selling this jewellery, which I hope will not happen any time soon.”

As the search widens, the spectacular Louvre heist — once thought to be the work of professional criminals — has taken a new turn, revealing the involvement of ordinary locals whose audacity stunned the world.

#world news #Global News