Two More Charged in Louvre Heist as Dark‑Web Sale Attempt Comes to Light
Museum security long left untouched faces scrutiny as recovery efforts advance.
Overview
- French prosecutors say two suspects detained on October 29 have now been charged, expanding the roster of defendants in the October 19 theft.
- CGI Group says it was contacted five days after the robbery by someone offering to sell part of the haul via the dark web and that it alerted French authorities, citing bureaucratic delays that hindered swift recovery.
- Media outlets reported further arrests on October 30, with BFMTV noting a third suspect detained and RTL reporting five additional detentions as the investigation continues.
- Two earlier suspects identified via DNA were detained on October 25, one at Charles‑de‑Gaulle airport en route to Algeria and another allegedly preparing to flee to Mali, and both were charged on October 29 after partial confessions.
- Thieves used a hydraulic lift to reach the Apollo Gallery and stole nine jeweled items valued at about €88 million, and the damaged crown of Empress Eugénie has been recovered and returned to the museum.