In a dramatic turn of events, French authorities have apprehended multiple individuals in connection with the audacious theft of crown jewels from Paris's iconic Louvre Museum.
The heist, which unfolded last weekend, has captivated global attention and prompted a national introspection on security measures.
Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau announced the arrests, which occurred Saturday evening. Among those detained was a suspect intercepted at Charles de Gaulle airport, moments before he could flee the country. While Beccuau refrained from specifying the exact number of arrests, French media outlets BFM TV and Le Parisien have reported that two individuals are currently in custody.
The fate of the stolen jewels, however, remains uncertain, as Beccuau did not confirm their recovery. According to Fox News, the thieves executed their plan with remarkable speed, taking less than eight minutes to abscond with jewels valued at an astonishing 88 million euros, or approximately $102 million.
The operation involved scaling the Louvre's faade using a basket lift, breaching a window, and smashing display cases before making their escape. The museum's director, Laurence des Cars, admitted to a "terrible failure" in security protocols, underscoring the gravity of the breach.
The investigation, led by a specialized police unit focused on armed robberies and art thefts, has mobilized over 100 investigators. Beccuau emphasized the importance of discretion, warning that premature information leaks could jeopardize efforts to recover the jewels and apprehend all involved. She assured that more information would be disclosed following the suspects' custody period.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez commended the investigators for their relentless dedication, expressing his "full confidence" in their abilities. The stolen treasures include a sapphire diadem, necklace, and earring set linked to 19th-century queens Marie-Amlie and Hortense, as well as an emerald necklace and earrings associated with Empress Marie-Louise, Napoleon Bonapartes second wife.
Additionally, a reliquary brooch and Empress Eugnies diamond diadem and corsage-bow brooch were taken. Notably, Eugnies emerald-set imperial crown, adorned with over 1,300 diamonds, was later discovered outside the museum, damaged but salvageable.
As the investigation progresses, the world watches closely, eager for updates on this high-stakes case. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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