Louvre Heist: Suspects Linked by Past Theft Conviction

The investigation into the recent jewelry heist at the Louvre Museum has revealed that two of the suspects involved share a history of criminal activity. According to Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau, both men were convicted of theft together in a case dating back to 2015. As of now, three of the four alleged members of the heist team are in custody, as authorities work to piece together the details of the crime.

Beccuau announced on Sunday that DNA evidence linked a 37-year-old suspect to the crime scene. He was charged on Saturday with theft by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy after his DNA was found inside the basket lift used to access the museum’s window. This individual has an extensive criminal record, including 11 prior convictions, with 10 of those for theft. Another suspect, aged 39, was charged earlier in the week and has a record of 15 convictions, two of which are for theft.

Connections Among Suspects

The prosecutor highlighted a significant detail regarding the suspects’ past. “What’s interesting about these records, when we compare them, is that we see that they were both involved in the same theft case, for which they were convicted in Paris in 2015,” Beccuau stated. A 34-year-old man, also suspected of being part of the so-called “commando” team, was charged this week. Additionally, a 38-year-old woman who is in a long-term relationship with the 37-year-old suspect is facing charges of complicity.

All four suspects are currently in custody, raising questions about their potential links to the stolen jewelry. Beccuau refrained from commenting on whether investigators are closer to recovering the stolen items. “We are examining all the possibilities on the parallel market for selling this jewelry, which I hope will not happen anytime soon… It could be used for money laundering, it could be used for trade; all leads are being explored,” she mentioned.

Government’s Optimism in Investigation

In a related statement, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez expressed optimism regarding the investigation’s progress during an interview with Le Parisien on Saturday. “There are four perpetrators, at least one of whom remains at large, plus possibly the one or those who ordered the crime and the jewelry,” Nuñez noted. “I have great confidence in the work of the police, so I’m optimistic. But my optimism doesn’t extend to thinking that the loot will be recovered quickly,” he added.

As authorities continue their investigation, the focus remains on apprehending all involved and determining the fate of the stolen jewels. The Louvre heist has captured public attention, underscoring the complexities of art theft and the challenges law enforcement faces in recovering stolen artifacts.