Louvre Heist: A Far Cry From ‘Ocean’s Eleven’
In a surprising turn of events, the audacious daylight robbery at the Louvre Museum in Paris, involving historical jewels valued at $102 million, was not the work of sophisticated, organized crime figures. Instead, according to Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccu, the heist was carried out by petty criminals.
The Heist Unveiled
The brazen operation unfolded on a Sunday morning, just weeks ago. Two men, using a truck equipped with a furniture lift, gained access to the second floor of the Louvre. After smashing a window and opening display cases, they made their escape on motorcycles, aided by two accomplices. The entire operation lasted less than seven minutes.
Authorities believe that three of the four suspects are now in custody, yet the precious jewels remain missing. The prosecutor, Laure Beccu, highlighted the amateur nature of the crime, stating that the perpetrators were not the polished, professional criminals seen in movies like ‘Ocean’s Eleven,’ but rather, small-time criminals from the impoverished northern suburbs of Paris. This assessment offers a stark contrast to the often-glamorized world of high-stakes art heists.
The Suspects and Their Trail
Speaking to France Info radio, Beccu explained that this was “not an ordinary, everyday crime… but a type of delinquency that we do not generally associate with experienced organized crime groups.” The prosecutor added, “It is clear that they are local residents.” All of the suspects are linked to the Seine-Saint-Denis area, a disadvantaged region north of Paris.
French media speculated that the thieves were amateurs, as they dropped some of the most valuable items, including the gold, emerald, and diamond-studded crown of Empress Eugenie, during their escape. They also left behind tools and other items at the scene and failed to set fire to their lift truck before fleeing. This further supports the notion that the heist was not executed by seasoned criminals.
A week after the incident, the police apprehended two suspects: a 34-year-old Algerian man who has lived in France since 2010, who was arrested while attempting to board a plane to Algeria, and a 39-year-old individual already under judicial supervision for serious theft offenses. Two other suspects, a 37-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman, were arrested on October 29th and charged on Saturday. The 37-year-old man is believed to be one of the four who carried out the theft, based on DNA evidence found in the truck.
Ongoing Investigation
When asked if the authorities believe that three of the four thieves are now in custody, Beccu indicated that at least one person is still at large. She did not rule out the possibility of other accomplices.
The investigation into the Louvre heist continues, with authorities working to recover the stolen jewels and bring all those involved to justice. The case serves as a reminder that even the most iconic institutions can be vulnerable, and that sometimes, the most audacious crimes are committed not by masterminds, but by those seeking a quick, albeit ill-fated, payday.
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