French investigators have found a breakthrough in the $102 million Louvre jewelry heist that stunned the world. Authorities revealed that the thieves left behind over 150 DNA and fingerprint traces at the crime scene, offering a significant lead in one of the most daring museum robberies in recent years.
Investigators Find Key DNA Evidence
Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau confirmed that more than 150 DNA, fingerprint, and other forensic traces were recovered from the scene. These items were collected from sources such as a helmet, gloves, a vest, and the angle grinders used by the burglars.
“The analyses take time, even though they are a priority for the labs. We are expecting results in the next few days, which may provide us with leads, particularly if the perpetrators were on file,” Beccuau told Ouest-France.
The discovery of so many traces suggests the robbers may have acted hastily, despite their careful planning.
How the $102 Million Heist Unfolded
On Sunday morning, four masked and hooded thieves climbed an extendable ladder to reach a balcony at the Louver. They broke into the first-floor Apollo Gallery, home to France’s crown jewels, and made off with eight priceless jewelry pieces once owned by French queens and empresses.
The haul is estimated to be worth around €88 million ($102 million). The thieves reportedly struggled at first to open the jewelry display cases with angle grinders before switching to smaller tools to pull out the jewels through small openings.
Louvre Staff Tried to Stop the Robbers
According to Le Parisien, CCTV footage revealed that the museum’s alarm systems worked perfectly. The first alarm was triggered at 9:34 a.m. local time when the burglars broke the balcony window.
Two museum employees reportedly tried to intervene but had to retreat, possibly fearing that the burglars were armed.
Security Blind Spot Helped the Thieves
Louvre Director Laurence des Cars admitted that the robbers took advantage of a blind spot in the museum’s outer security coverage. Speaking before the French Senate, she said she plans to push for stricter security, including a police station inside the Louvre and parking restrictions near the museum.
She also promised to upgrade the CCTV network to ensure no similar blind spots remain.
Detectives Track Thieves Across Paris
Despite the CCTV gap at the museum, investigators are using public and private security cameras across Paris and nearby regions to track the suspects’ movements.
Prosecutor Beccuau said she remains hopeful. “With all the media attention on the robbery, the robbers will not really dare move with the jewels. I want to be optimistic,” she said.
ALSO READ: Who Is the Fedora-Wearing ‘Detective’ Solving the $102M Louvre Heist? New Sherlock Holmes?
