French authorities have charged the fourth suspect in connection with last month’s audacious jewel heist at the Louvre Museum, officials confirmed Friday. The Louvre robbery, which targeted the world’s most-visited art museum, has captivated global attention and raised questions about museum security.

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Fourth Suspect’s Criminal Background

Prosecutor Laure Beccuau, who is leading the investigation, revealed that the 39-year-old man has a lengthy criminal record, including six prior convictions for offences such as pimping, driving without a licence, and receiving stolen goods.

“Already convicted six times, this man was known to courts for various offences,” Beccuau said in a statement.

Authorities have not clarified the suspect’s exact role in the heist, but he joins three other men who have already been charged with organised theft and criminal conspiracy.

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The Heist: How $102 Million in Jewellery Was Stolen

On October 19, 2025, the gang executed the robbery in broad daylight, taking only seven minutes to steal jewellery valued at an estimated $102 million. The thieves fled the Louvre on scooters, in what security officials described as a meticulously planned operation.

• Two suspects broke into the Apollo Gallery using grinders to cut display cases.
• Two accomplices remained outside to ensure a quick escape.
• The thieves reportedly used a freight lift to access the gallery windows.

Among the stolen items was the emerald-set imperial crown of Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III, containing more than 1,300 diamonds. Fortunately, the crown was later recovered outside the museum, but most of the other jewellery remains missing.

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Arrests and Charges

• The fourth suspect was arrested at a construction site in Laval, western France.
• The other suspects, aged 35, 37, and 39, remain in custody.
• A 38-year-old woman, partner of one of the suspects, has been released on bail as authorities investigate her possible complicity.

All four suspects face charges of organised theft and criminal conspiracy, with the investigation ongoing to locate the remaining stolen jewellery.

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Impact on Louvre Security

The heist has drawn significant attention to security protocols at the Louvre, highlighting vulnerabilities in one of the world’s most famous cultural institutions. Museum officials have promised to review security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The swift execution of the robbery, along with the use of tools to breach display cases, underscores the sophisticated planning behind the crime. Authorities are now examining surveillance footage and coordinating with international law enforcement to recover the remaining stolen items.

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International Attention

The Louvre heist is being closely followed worldwide, given the museum’s prominence and the value of the stolen items. Security experts warn that such high-profile crimes could inspire similar attempts at other major museums if vulnerabilities are not addressed.