The Louvre Jewel Heist: A Closer Look at the Suspects

A woman, one of five suspects in the recent Louvre jewel heist, faced a judge to determine if she would be held in custody. She is accused of helping plan and carry out the theft. The 38-year-old woman cried as she confirmed she lives in La Courneuve, a suburb north of Paris. The hearing was private, as requested by the prosecution. The Louvre, the most visited art museum in the world, was hit by thieves in broad daylight last month. They used power tools and took just seven minutes to steal jewels worth about $102 million. French authorities first arrested two suspects and later detained five more, including a main suspect. The arrests happened in and around Paris, especially in Seine-Saint-Denis. One of the five arrested this week was released without charges. His lawyers criticized the arrests, saying they were too broad and not well-targeted. The first two men arrested earlier admitted some involvement in the crime. One is a 34-year-old Algerian living in France, identified by DNA on a scooter used to escape. The other is a 39-year-old unlicensed taxi driver from Aubervilliers. Both have past records for theft. The thieves left behind a crown that once belonged to Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III, as they fled. They took eight other pieces of jewelry, including a necklace given by Napoleon I to his second wife and a diamond diadem from Empress Eugenie. Experts say selling these jewels will be tough because the heist is well-known. Dealers will be cautious and likely contact the police if offered these gems. The stolen jewels are still missing. Experts believe they could still be worth millions if sold secretly on the black market. The case raises questions about security at famous museums and how such valuable items can be taken so quickly.