The two prime suspects in the 2025 Louvre jewel heist, Abdoulaye N., 40, and Ghelamallah A., 36, claimed they were recruited by a "mysterious sponsor" just days before the robbery, according to statements made to Paris judicial authorities and published by Le Monde. The men, arrested shortly after the crime, detailed their involvement in the theft of the French Crown Jewels from the museum's Apollo Gallery.
Details of the Heist
On October 19, 2025, the suspects met two accomplices in Aubervilliers, a suburb of Paris, before using a motorized lift to access the Apollo Gallery. Wearing yellow construction vests, they smashed a window and spent eight minutes inside, cutting through glass display cases to steal eight pieces of jewelry valued at over €88 million.
During their escape, Abdoulaye N. dropped the crown of Empress Eugénie, which was later recovered. The duo fled to the docks of Ivry-sur-Seine, where they switched vehicles to evade police.
Mysterious Sponsor's Role
Both suspects claimed they were hired just days before the heist. Abdoulaye N. stated he was promised between €15,000 and €20,000 for the job, while Ghelamallah A. was told he could earn between €20,000 and €25,000. The alleged sponsor reportedly provided them with a video of the royal jewels and specific instructions on how to execute the heist.
Despite their claims, investigators are skeptical about the existence of this sponsor, as they have found no evidence linking anyone beyond the four suspects to the crime.
Concerns Over the Stolen Jewels
As the search for the stolen jewelry continues, fears grow that the pieces of French national heritage may have been dismantled and sold on the black market. Abdoulaye N. expressed regret about his actions, stating, "I recognized my participation... the rest... it's beyond me." Meanwhile, both suspects have refrained from naming their sponsor out of fear for their families' safety.
- Suspects: Abdoulaye N. (40), Ghelamallah A. (36)
- Value of stolen jewelry: over €88 million
- Time spent in the gallery: 8 minutes
- Recruitment timeframe: 2-3 days before the heist
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by ArtNews. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
