Two Suspects Reveal Details of Mastermind Behind Louvre Jewelry Heist

On Friday, two suspects held in pre-trial detention shared insights regarding their roles in the notorious Louvre Museum jewelry heist that occurred last October. According to Le Monde, the suspects, Abdoulaye N and Ghelamallah A, provided information during police interviews in June about the individual who allegedly orchestrated the theft.

Details of the Heist and Suspects

Abdoulaye N, a 40-year-old motorcycle stunt enthusiast from Aubervilliers, and Ghelamallah A, a 36-year-old Algerian resident, were arrested shortly after the heist. During the interviews, Abdoulaye disclosed that he was promised between €15,000 and €20,000 (approximately $17,000 to $22,700) for his assistance in the operation. He acknowledged being aware that the theft would take place at the Louvre.

Ghelamallah reported that he was offered a contract worth about €5,000 more than Abdoulaye's rate, referring to the opportunity as “a jewelry store where they make jewelry in Paris.” He expressed regret, stating, “I would never have set foot there if I had known.”

The Mastermind and the Plan

Both men refrained from disclosing the identity of the individual who hired them due to fears of retaliation against themselves and their families. Abdoulaye claimed, “The person who ordered the theft wasn’t happy,” indicating dissatisfaction with the haul of seven pieces of jewelry valued at approximately €88 million (around $100.2 million).

According to the suspects, they were instructed to meet with two unnamed accomplices on the morning of October 19, equipped with a cherry picker truck and motorcycles. Abdoulaye detailed the operation, stating he aligned the truck with the balcony of the Apollo Gallery and used a cherry picker to access the museum.

Aftermath and Regrets

Upon entering the museum, Abdoulaye described the scene: “When we got in, there was no one there, it was dark, only the display case lights were on.” He used an angle grinder to break the display cases and admitted to accidentally dropping Empress Eugénie's crown during their escape, expressing regret over the incident.

After the heist, the suspects fled on motorcycles, pouring gasoline on the cherry picker truck to destroy evidence. Abdoulaye stated he delivered the stolen jewelry to a garage in Aubervilliers but remains unaware of its current location. “I have admitted my involvement,” he concluded, “I accept the consequences and I regret it. The rest is beyond me.”