French authorities have arrested two men suspected of involvement in a significant jewel heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris. The arrests occurred during a nationwide manhunt following the theft on October 19, which involved the loss of royal jewels valued at approximately $102 million.

One suspect was apprehended at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport on Saturday night while attempting to board a flight to Algeria. The second suspect was arrested shortly after in the Paris metropolitan area. Both men are believed to be from Seine Saint Denis, a suburb northeast of Paris. Their identities have not been disclosed, and they face charges of organized theft and criminal conspiracy.

The theft took place in broad daylight when four masked thieves disguised as workers executed a meticulously planned operation. They used a truck-mounted cherry picker to access the upper floor of the museum's Apollo Gallery. Armed with chainsaws and disc cutters, the thieves smashed glass display cases and stole several high-value items, including a necklace and a tiara that once belonged to Napoleon and Empress Joséphine. The entire operation lasted less than seven minutes.

During their escape, the thieves dropped a diamond- and emerald-studded crown, which was later recovered outside the museum but was damaged. Investigators believe the heist was carried out by a professional crew, possibly with insider assistance. The French anti-gang brigade and the Central Office for the Fight Against Trafficking in Cultural Property are leading the investigation, which involves over 100 investigators working to locate the remaining suspects and recover the stolen jewels.

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the theft as an attack on the nation’s heritage. He expressed confidence that authorities would apprehend those responsible. The incident has raised concerns about security measures at the Louvre, the world’s most visited museum, which houses iconic artworks such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.

As the investigation continues, the public is eager for updates on the recovery of the stolen items, which hold immense historical and cultural significance for France.

Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of further arrests as they work to piece together the details of this audacious crime.