The two suspects arrested for robbing crown jewels from France’s Louvre museum have admitted their involvement in the heist, the prosecutor’s office said on Wednesday, adding that the jewels are not in the authorities’ possession.
The heist, which took place on October 19, saw thieves make off with eight precious pieces worth an estimated $102 million. The robbers reportedly used a crane to smash an upstairs window during opening hours before escaping on motorbikes.
The incident sent shockwaves through France, with many describing it as a national embarrassment.
CNN quoted the Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau as saying that the two suspects will be presented before an investigative judge and could be placed under formal investigation later on Wednesday.
The two accused were arrested on Saturday. Two others remain absconding.
“There is nothing to suggest that the four perpetrators benefited from any form of inside help within the museum,” Beccuau said.
“They are currently before an investigating judge with a view to placing them under formal investigation for the crimes of robberies as part of an organised gang – crimes carrying a fifteen year prison sentence and a heavy fine,” she added.
According to CNN, more than 100 investigators have been involved in the manhunt, and authorities were able to track down the individuals after analyzing more than 150 DNA samples and examining several items the group left behind, such as gloves, a helmet and high-vis jackets left at the scene.
The first arrested suspect (34) is of Algerian nationality. As per the officials, he had prior records for traffic-related offenses.
The second suspect of age 39 is an illegal taxi driver and delivery driver born in Aubervilliers, a suburb of Paris. He was previously known for aggravated theft.
One of the men was arrested at Charles de Gaulle Airport as he attempted to leave the country.
The jewelry taken from the museum is estimated to be worth 88 million euros ($102 million).
“I’d like to keep the hope that they will be found and could be returned to the Louvre museum and the nation,” Beccuau added. “These jewels are now unsellable. Anyone who buys them would be guilty of the offence of handling stolen goods. There is still time to return them.”
