Two men have been arrested in connection with a daring daylight robbery at the Louvre Museum, where thieves made off with French crown jewels valued at $157 million. The incident occurred on October 19, prompting the museum to close temporarily.

According to French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez, the robbery involved three or four thieves who used a furniture hoist to access the museum. They targeted the Gallerie d’Apollon, stealing several priceless items, including a sapphire diadem, a necklace, and a single earring linked to 19th-century queens Marie-Amelie and Hortense. The thieves also took an emerald necklace and earrings that belonged to Empress Marie-Louise, Napoleon Bonaparte’s second wife, along with a reliquary brooch.

A significant investigation was launched following the heist. Reports indicate that two suspects, both in their 30s and known to police, were arrested near Paris. One of the men was reportedly about to board a flight to Algeria when apprehended. Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau confirmed the arrests but did not disclose further details, expressing concern over leaks to the media. "This revelation can only hinder the investigative efforts of the 100 or so mobilised investigators, both in the search for the stolen jewellery and for all the perpetrators. It is too early to provide any specific details," she stated.

Despite the arrests, authorities have not yet recovered any of the stolen jewelry. The ease with which the robbery was executed has raised serious questions about security at the Louvre, one of the world’s most famous museums. A preliminary report revealed that one in three rooms in the targeted area lacked CCTV coverage.

Earlier this year, museum officials had requested urgent assistance from the French government to enhance security and restore exhibits. French President Emmanuel Macron had previously promised to redesign and enlarge the Louvre, a commitment that has faced criticism in light of the recent heist.

The robbery has drawn international attention due to its bold nature and the significance of the stolen items. For many in France, it has become a source of national embarrassment. One local resident expressed frustration, stating, "It is just one more example of the dysfunction here. The government, the police, no one is taking charge or actually trying to change and improve the country anymore."