Two Suspects Admit Involvement in Louvre Jewel Heist

Two men have confessed to their roles in the recent theft of crown jewels from Paris' Louvre Museum and are now in custody, according to the Paris prosecutor's office. The stolen jewels have not yet been recovered.

The suspects, aged 34 and 39, were apprehended on Saturday evening. The 34-year-old, an Algerian national with prior traffic-related offenses, was identified through DNA found on a scooter used in the escape. The 39-year-old, a delivery driver from Aubervilliers with a history of aggravated theft, was linked to the crime via DNA on broken display case glass.

"There is nothing to suggest that the four perpetrators benefited from any form of inside help within the museum," said Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau.

The heist occurred on October 19, when thieves used a truck-mounted ladder to access the Apollo Gallery, stealing nine items valued at approximately 88 million euros ($102 million). The stolen pieces include a diamond and sapphire jewelry set worn by Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense.

Authorities continue to search for two additional suspects and the missing jewels. Beccuau expressed hope for their recovery, noting that the items are now unsellable and urging their return.

"I’d like to keep the hope that they will be found and could be returned to the Louvre museum and the nation," Beccuau added. "These jewels are now unsellable. Anyone who buys them would be guilty of the offence of handling stolen goods. There is still time to return them."

The two men are currently before an investigating judge and could be placed under formal investigation for the crimes of robberies as part of an organized gang, which carry a fifteen-year prison sentence and a heavy fine.