DNA traces, including fingerprints, left by the Louvre burglars numbered at least 150 as they made off with stolen jewels worth £176 million, according to investigators. Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau announced that forensic teams are currently analyzing the samples to swiftly identify the four thieves responsible for the brazen daylight robbery at the highly visited museum. Beccuau expressed optimism in locating the culprits soon, noting that if they have prior convictions, their DNA should be on file with the police.
The trace samples were discovered on a stolen flatbed truck, as well as on a discarded crash helmet and glove at the crime scene. Despite the suspects’ failed attempt to set the vehicle on fire, they managed to flee on two motorbikes after a seven-minute burglary at the Apollo Gallery, where seven historic pieces representing France’s “crown jewels” were taken.
Although CCTV cameras inside the Louvre were not focused on the Apollo Gallery during the theft, external cameras captured the criminals’ escape route out of Paris and neighboring areas. Beccuau highlighted the importance of video surveillance in tracing the perpetrators and mentioned that footage from public and private cameras will be crucial in the ongoing investigation.
Efforts are now underway to swiftly apprehend the thieves to recover the stolen jewelry before it’s potentially tampered with. Beccuau emphasized the significance of media coverage in deterring the perpetrators from handling the jewels too conspicuously. She launched an investigation into theft and criminal conspiracy, targeting a highly organized criminal gang, with potential penalties of up to 15 years in prison for those found guilty.
The Banditism Repression Brigade of the Judicial Police, in collaboration with the Central Office for Combating Trafficking in Cultural Property, is spearheading the inquiry. The Louvre, which attracted nearly 9 million visitors in 2024, remains a popular destination for tourists, with the majority being foreigners. Authorities suspect that the stolen art pieces may be kept hidden by the mastermind behind the operation or may be broken down and sold separately to disguise their origins.