With some of the thieves who fled after stealing jewels at the Louvre recently now in custody, they have partially admitted their crimes to French prosecutors. The stolen jewels are still said to be missing.
Laure Beccuau, the Paris prosecutor, said at a news conference on the 29th (local time) that "both suspects partially acknowledged their involvement." They are accused of breaking into the Apollon Gallery, the royal jewelry exhibition hall inside the Louvre, at about 9:34 a.m. on the 19th and stealing eight pieces of jewelry. The value of the eight pieces is estimated at about 149.9 billion won.
Administrator Beccuau explained, "They are expected to be indicted on charges of organized theft," adding, "This is a serious crime that can carry a 15-year prison sentence and a hefty fine." As the detention period under the arrest warrants expires today, the Paris prosecutor's office has requested detention warrants from the court.
One of the arrested suspects is a 34-year-old Algerian man. He was arrested at about 8 p.m. on the 25th at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport as he attempted to depart for Algeria. The second suspect, 39, was also arrested at about 8:40 p.m. the same day near his residence. There were no indications this suspect tried to flee abroad. Both suspects have prior records, including traffic offenses, theft, or robbery.
The first suspect was identified through DNA found on one of the scooters used by the perpetrators. DNA from the second suspect was found on one of the damaged display cases and on items discarded during the getaway.
Administrator Beccuau said the stolen jewels "are not in our hands yet." Beccuau said, "We hope the jewels will be found and returned to the Louvre and, furthermore, to the nation." Beccuau expressed regret that restoring the crown of Empress Eugénie, wife of Emperor Napoleon III, which the thieves dropped while fleeing, to its original state would be a difficult task.
The investigation is ongoing. Administrator Beccuau believes at least four people were involved in the crime.