Four Suspects Charged in $100 Million Louvre Jewel Heist in Paris

French authorities have charged four individuals in connection with the $102 million jewel heist at the Louvre Museum, while searching for a fifth suspect believed to be the mastermind. The suspects, described as local petty criminals rather than organized crime members, include a couple with children and have prior theft convictions, including a joint conviction from 2015. The thieves used a basket lift from a truck to break into the Apollo Gallery, stealing eight royal treasures including a sapphire diadem and Empress Eugénie's diamond brooch, though one piece was recovered damaged. DNA evidence from the basket lift links the suspects to the crime, but the stolen jewels remain missing. Officials continue to investigate possible avenues for recovery, including the parallel market and money laundering, while Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez remains optimistic about the investigation. The incident has raised concerns about security at one of France's most famous landmarks, with Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin acknowledging a failure to adequately protect the museum.