New Arrests and Security Critiques in Ongoing 2025 Louvre Heist Investigation
Investigation into October 2025 Louvre heist sees new arrests based on DNA and surveillance, while Culture Minister exposes security flaws and pledges upgrades.
- • Five new suspects arrested including a 38-year-old woman charged with complicity in organized theft.
- • One of the five latest detainees released without charges as confirmed by their lawyers.
- • Two men previously arrested are in provisional detention, one was caught fleeing to Algeria.
- • Minister Rachida Dati reveals security weaknesses and announces new anti-intrusion measures.
- • Stolen jewels remain missing; authorities suspect use in illicit markets such as money laundering.
Key details
On November 1, 2025, significant developments occurred in the investigation of the spectacular October 19 heist at the Louvre's Galerie Apollon, where jewels valued at approximately 88 million euros were stolen in under eight minutes. Five new suspects were arrested during a second sweep, including a 38-year-old woman charged with complicity in organized theft. However, one of the five recently detained was released without charges, the lawyers confirmed.
Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau detailed that two men aged 34 and 39, previously arrested and placed in provisional detention, are suspected members of the commando involved in the robbery. One man was caught attempting to flee to Algeria, highlighting the seriousness of the case. The prosecutor emphasized that these new arrests stem from DNA evidence and surveillance footage rather than statements from earlier detainees, underscoring the evolving nature of the probe.
Despite these arrests, the stolen jewels remain missing, with authorities suspecting they may have entered illicit channels such as underground markets for money laundering or negotiations, investigated by the Office Central de Lutte Contre le Trafic des Biens Culturels (OCBC).
The incident has spurred intense scrutiny of the Louvre's security. Culture Minister Rachida Dati disclosed results of an internal inquiry revealing chronic underestimation of theft risks, outdated response protocols, and inadequate security equipment. The heist involved criminals parking an elevating truck near the museum, facilitating access to the jewels' display area. Although internal security systems functioned correctly, Dati vowed to enhance safeguards, planning new anti-intrusion and anti-vehicle barriers by year-end to address glaring vulnerabilities around the museum.
These fresh developments illustrate the complexity and high stakes of the investigation. Authorities remain determined to recover the priceless jewels and bring all perpetrators to justice.