Two men suspected in connection with an €88 million theft of crown jewels from Paris’s Louvre museum have provided accounts to investigating judges detailing their involvement in the burglary. According to transcripts reviewed by French media, the suspects indicated they were hired by an unnamed client to break into the museum’s Apollo gallery and steal specific pieces of jewelry displayed there.
The operation netted eight pieces of jewelry including tiaras, a brooch, necklaces, and earrings. However, during the escape, one of the suspects dropped a gem-encrusted crown formerly worn by Empress Eugénie in the 19th century, which became damaged. One suspect acknowledged the mishap and expressed remorse about the severity of the crime. According to the accounts, the alleged mastermind expressed disappointment upon receiving the stolen goods, believing the thieves could have obtained additional items from the museum.
The suspects described being hired only days before the heist and being shown video footage of the gallery’s display cases to familiarize themselves with the target. One was promised between €15,000 and €20,000 for participation, with potential additional compensation based on the resale value of the stolen items. The other was offered €20,000 to €25,000. The suspects entered through a first-floor balcony using a furniture lift and broke into the display cases during the operation.
Both men declined to identify the alleged client or any accomplices, citing fears for their safety and mentioning intimidating communications received while in custody. One suspect noted he would not have agreed to the theft had he known the target was the world’s most visited museum, initially being told it was a jewelry store. Investigators have not independently confirmed whether the suspects were acting on behalf of others in the operation. The heist made international headlines and prompted the museum’s director to step down from his position.