Four suspects in Paris' high-profile Louvre heist are now behind bars, according to prosecutors. The investigation has uncovered a web of connections between two men already known to the law.
The DNA of 37-year-old suspect Jean, who was charged with theft by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy, matched that found inside the basket lift used to breach the museum's window. This revelation has shed new light on his past convictions - a staggering 11 previous theft charges, ten of which were for similar offenses.
Another suspect, 39-year-old Pierre, also faces preliminary charges of theft by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy, with a record that boasts 15 convictions, including two for theft. What's striking is that both Jean and Pierre were involved in the same 2015 Paris theft case, in which they received concurrent convictions.
Their shared past has raised suspicions about the true nature of their collaboration. The investigation has also turned up another suspect, 34-year-old Alex, who is believed to be part of the 'commando' team dubbed by French media for his role in the heist.
Alex's partner, 38-year-old Sophia, faces charges of complicity in the crime, highlighting a close-knit network among the suspects. All four are currently being held in custody as authorities continue their pursuit.
While prosecutors decline to comment on whether the investigation is closing in on the stolen jewels, Interior Minister Laurent Nuรฑez remains optimistic about the case. "We are examining all possibilities for selling this jewelry," he said, "though I hope it won't happen anytime soon. It could be used for money laundering or trade." The authorities remain focused on tracking down the remaining suspect and those believed to have masterminded the crime.
One thing is clear: this heist has left a trail of complex clues that will take time to unravel.
The DNA of 37-year-old suspect Jean, who was charged with theft by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy, matched that found inside the basket lift used to breach the museum's window. This revelation has shed new light on his past convictions - a staggering 11 previous theft charges, ten of which were for similar offenses.
Another suspect, 39-year-old Pierre, also faces preliminary charges of theft by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy, with a record that boasts 15 convictions, including two for theft. What's striking is that both Jean and Pierre were involved in the same 2015 Paris theft case, in which they received concurrent convictions.
Their shared past has raised suspicions about the true nature of their collaboration. The investigation has also turned up another suspect, 34-year-old Alex, who is believed to be part of the 'commando' team dubbed by French media for his role in the heist.
Alex's partner, 38-year-old Sophia, faces charges of complicity in the crime, highlighting a close-knit network among the suspects. All four are currently being held in custody as authorities continue their pursuit.
While prosecutors decline to comment on whether the investigation is closing in on the stolen jewels, Interior Minister Laurent Nuรฑez remains optimistic about the case. "We are examining all possibilities for selling this jewelry," he said, "though I hope it won't happen anytime soon. It could be used for money laundering or trade." The authorities remain focused on tracking down the remaining suspect and those believed to have masterminded the crime.
One thing is clear: this heist has left a trail of complex clues that will take time to unravel.