The Louvre Jewel Heist: Four Faces Charges

The Louvre, renowned for its art and history, was recently the scene of a daring heist. Four individuals now face charges for their alleged involvement in this high-profile theft. The latest arrests include a 38-year-old woman and a 37-year-old man, both taken into custody this week. They join two other men who were previously charged.

The Accused

• The Woman: From a suburb north of Paris, she was seen crying in court, expressing fear for her children and herself. She is accused of helping plan the theft but denies any involvement.
• The Man: Known to authorities for past thefts, he is also charged with planning the crime but maintains his innocence.

The Heist

The theft was executed swiftly and boldly. Thieves used power tools to break into the Louvre in broad daylight, stealing jewels worth millions in just seven minutes. Among the stolen items are pieces once owned by French emperors and empresses. The thieves dropped a crown as they fled, but the rest of the loot remains missing.

Legal Concerns and Reactions

Lawyers for the accused have raised concerns:

• One described the arrests as indiscriminate, likening them to casting a wide net.
• Another stated his client was devastated and presumed innocent.

The first two men charged admitted some involvement. They are believed to have broken into the gallery while accomplices waited outside.

The Stolen Jewels

The stolen items include:

• A necklace given by Napoleon I to his wife.
• A diadem with nearly 2,000 diamonds.

The interior minister remains hopeful that the stolen items will be recovered. The case continues to unfold, with more arrests and charges possible.