DNA Evidence Cracks Paris’ $102 Million Jewel Robbery

French authorities have arrested two suspects linked to the audacious daylight robbery at the Louvre Museum, where thieves made off with crown jewels valued at over €88 million ($102 million).

According to the Paris prosecutor’s office, one of the suspects was apprehended at Charles de Gaulle Airport while attempting to leave the country. Both men, reportedly in their thirties and known to police, were traced through DNA evidence and detained in the Parisian suburb of Aubervilliers. Investigations are still underway to locate at least two other accomplices believed to have taken part in the operation.

The heist, which occurred last weekend, targeted the Apollo Gallery — home to France’s royal jewels and one of the museum’s most ornate rooms. The robbers are said to have used a truck-mounted ladder to access a window on the upper floor before breaking into display cases and stealing nine priceless pieces, including a diamond and sapphire tiara and necklace once owned by French queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense.

The entire theft took less than ten minutes, raising serious concerns about the museum’s security measures. France’s Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin described the incident as a “serious lapse” and ordered a full review of safety protocols at national museums.

France’s Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez praised investigators for their swift action, noting that nearly 100 officers have been assigned to the case since the robbery. However, officials have not yet confirmed whether any of the stolen jewels have been recovered.

The Louvre Museum, one of the world’s most visited cultural landmarks, remains open to the public, though parts of the Apollo Gallery have been cordoned off as forensic teams continue their work.