Louvre Suspect Released, No Charge Filed

One of the five individuals recently arrested in connection with the extraordinary jewel theft at the Louvre Museum has been released without being charged, their lawyers confirmed on Saturday.

Last month, thieves used power tools in broad daylight to raid the world’s most-visited art museum. The operation reportedly took only seven minutes and resulted in the theft of jewellery valued at an estimated $102 million. The stolen loot remains missing.

While French authorities had previously arrested and charged two suspects—who partially confessed to breaking into the gallery while two accomplices waited outside—police this week detained five additional people.

Louvre (News Central TV) — One of the Louvre suspects was released; no charge was filed. Credit: SBS

However, lawyers for one of those five suspects, who was released on Friday, criticised the nature of the arrests.

Attorney Sofia Bougrine described the waves of detentions as resembling “drift nets,” suggesting some were indiscriminate.

Several other suspects arrested this week appeared before magistrates at a Paris court on Saturday, though the specific number was not confirmed by the prosecutor’s office.

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Abisoye Adeyiga

Abisoye Adedoyin Adeyiga holds a PhD in Languages and Media Studies and a Master’s in Education (English Language). Trained in digital marketing and investigative journalism, she is passionate about new media’s transformative power. She enjoys reading, traveling, and meaningful conversations.