In a significant development in the Louvre jewels heist case, Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau revealed on Sunday that two of the suspects had previously been convicted together in a theft case a decade ago. Three of the four alleged members of the heist team are now in custody. The DNA of a 37-year-old man, charged on Saturday, was discovered inside the basket lift used to access the museum’s window. He faces preliminary charges of theft by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy, with a criminal record showing 11 prior convictions, 10 of which were for theft. Similarly, a 39-year-old suspect, charged on Wednesday, has a record of 15 convictions, including two for theft. Beccuau noted that both individuals were involved in the same 2015 theft case in Paris. A 34-year-old man, suspected of being part of the “commando” team, was also charged this week. Additionally, a 38-year-old woman, the longtime partner of the 37-year-old suspect, was charged with complicity. Beccuau highlighted a certain “closeness” among all suspects. While all four are in custody, Beccuau declined to comment on the progress of recovering the stolen jewels. She emphasized that investigators are exploring all possibilities, including the parallel market for selling the jewelry, which could be used for money laundering or trade. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez expressed optimism about the investigation but acknowledged that recovering the loot might take time. He also noted that at least one perpetrator remains at large, along with those who may have ordered the crime.
Two Louvre heist suspects had prior theft conviction together, Paris prosecutor says
