Overview
- Paris prosecutors opened an organized-theft investigation on Oct. 21 after taking a China-born 24-year-old into custody.
- The suspect was detained in Barcelona on Sept. 30 while attempting to return to China and was transferred to French custody.
- A cleaner discovered the theft on Sept. 16, with about 6 kg of gold missing, including pieces donated to the museum in 1833 by Tsar Nicholas I.
- Power tools capable of cutting metal and glass, gas burners, saws, and screwdrivers were found near the scene, indicating a planned operation.
- Authorities are examining possible accomplices and potential ties to an Oct. 19 Louvre robbery where similar tools were found; the Louvre reopened three days later.