Two of the original suspects — men in their 30s from Seine-Saint-Denis — were arrested last weekend. One was captured at Charles de Gaulle Airport as he tried to board a flight to Algeria, while the other was apprehended later in Paris.
Both men are dual citizens, one of France and Mali, the other of France and Algeria, and are known to the police from previous burglary investigations.
Beccuau said Wednesday that the suspect, allegedly bound for Mali, had “no intention of leaving the country,” contradicting earlier reports.
Damaged Crown Found Near Louvre Museum
The French Culture Minister Rachida Dati confirmed in an interview with ABC News that one of the stolen artifacts — a gold, diamond, and emerald crown once belonging to Empress Eugénie — was found damaged and lying on the ground near the Louvre Museum shortly after the theft.
“This was a simple, but spectacular operation,” Dati said. “They knew exactly where they were going. It looks like something very organized and very professional.”
