Third suspect arrested in connection with Louvre Museum burglary

French police have arrested a third suspect in connection with the high-profile burglary at the Louvre Museum in Paris that occurred earlier this month. According to French media reports on Thursday, the suspect was taken into custody Wednesday evening in the Paris region and remains in police custody for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation into the October 19 break-in at the world-famous museum.

Expanding Investigation and Suspect Network

The latest arrest comes just days after two other individuals believed to be accomplices in the burglary were formally charged and placed in pre-trial detention on Wednesday. Investigators suspect this third individual belonged to what authorities have termed the "Louvre commando" and was physically present during the museum break-in. The Paris judicial police continue to lead the expanding investigation into the sophisticated theft that targeted one of the world's most secure cultural institutions.

Value and Nature of Stolen Artifacts

The thieves successfully made off with eight valuable items estimated to be worth approximately €88 million ($102.3 million) during the October 19 incident. The stolen collection included historically significant pieces such as a necklace and earring from the Marie-Louise collection, additional necklaces, earrings, and a tiara from the Marie-Amélie and Hortense collections, along with two brooches, a bodice bow, and a tiara from the Empress Eugenie collection. The selection of items suggests the thieves specifically targeted royal jewelry and historically significant pieces.

Partial Recovery and Investigation Progress

In a significant development, investigators later recovered Empress Eugenie's crown, which the burglars had abandoned in close proximity to the museum. A Louvre security official described this discovery as evidence that the thieves' "plan was thwarted," suggesting they may have been interrupted or encountered unexpected security measures during their escape. The recovery of at least one high-value item provides investigators with potential forensic evidence while the search continues for the remaining stolen artifacts.