One year after the Louvre heist, thieves' conflicting accounts muddy the trail of stolen jewels, with suspects claiming a mysterious patron orchestrated the crime.
Heist method identified
One year after the Louvre heist, investigators have determined how the thieves executed the robbery but have not recovered the stolen jewels. The method involved using a moving van and disk cutters to break into the museum on a Sunday morning.Suspects arrested
Two suspects, Abdoulaye N., an unlicensed taxi driver with a history of theft, and Ghemlamallah A., an unemployed Algerian, were arrested a week after the heist. Both admitted to participating in the burglary during their initial custody.New statements disrupt investigation
Seven months later, the suspects' new statements created confusion in the investigation. They claimed that two other suspects arrested after them, Rachid H. and Slimane K., were not involved in the heist. They also suggested that an unidentified patron hired them and was involved in the operation.Patron's role unclear
According to the suspects, a patron not yet arrested was the one who recruited them. Ghemlamallah A. said the man on the scooter who drove the platform and installed it was the recruiter. Abdoulaye N. claimed the patron was known in a local delinquency circle but he could not provide more details without risking his safety.Judges question the patron's involvement
During the hearings, judges noted that a patron typically avoids being directly involved in a heist. However, Abdoulaye N. claimed the patron wanted to ensure the recovery of the goods and was reportedly unhappy with the amount of jewelry retrieved.Suspects express regret
Ghemlamallah A. and Abdoulaye N. expressed disappointment with the outcome. Ghemlamallah A. said he had not been paid yet, while Abdoulaye N. called the situation a "scam." Abdoulaye N. admitted he was recruited for his driving skills and regretted the compensation of 15,000 euros.Challenging the investigation
Slimane K. and Rachid H. have filed appeals to challenge the judicial procedure, particularly the use of surveillance. Slimane K., described as an experienced delinquent, denies any involvement. A genetic profile found on the remote control of the platform linked the burglars to the Apollo gallery of the Louvre.Suspects deny involvement
Rachid H., the fourth suspected member of the team, is awaiting the examination of his request for release. He is suspected of having given the keys to the Aubervilliers parking, where the investigators lost track of the jewels. He claims ignorance and says he passed the keys after being awakened by two people from Aubervilliers.
