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Motocross Influencer Tied to Louvre Crown Jewels Heist as Police Probe Claims of Unknown Handlers

Investigators now point to partial admissions by suspects who say unnamed handlers directed them.

Overview

  • Police say Niakate Abdoulaye, 39, known online as “Doudou Cross Bitume,” and Ayed Ghelamallah were arrested on Oct. 25 in Aubervilliers and at RoissyCharles de Gaulle, respectively.
  • The roughly €88 million in Apollo Gallery crown jewels has not been recovered, according to investigators.
  • During questioning, the two men acknowledged limited involvement, claimed they acted under orders, and said they did not realize they were inside the Louvre.
  • A third suspect, identified as Slimane K., was arrested on Oct. 29 and is suspected of serving as a lookout, with a fourth accomplice still unidentified.
  • Investigators note parallels to Abdoulaye’s 2014 Barbès jewelry-store robbery involving fake weapons and Yamaha T‑Max scooters, as his old motocross videos draw renewed online views.