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UPDATE: Paris, France- Five more arrested in Louvre heist investigation as stolen crown jewels worth $102M still missing

by ArrestsBurglaryCrime SuspectsInternational

Paris, France – Five more suspects have been arrested in connection with the daring daytime heist of the French crown jewels from the Louvre Museum, French investigators announced Thursday, though the priceless treasures remain missing.

Police carried out the arrests in separate operations across Paris and neighboring areas, including the Seine-Saint-Denis region, prosecutor Laure Beccuau told RTL radio. The identities of the suspects have not been released.

One of the newly arrested individuals is suspected of being part of the four-person team that stormed the Louvre’s Apollo Gallery in broad daylight on Oct. 19, stealing jewels valued at 88 million euros ($102 million) in less than eight minutes.

“Searches last night and overnight did not allow us to find the goods,” Beccuau said.

LOUVRE HEIST ADDS TO HISTORY OF HIGH-PROFILE MUSEUM BREACHES, LEAVES OTHER GALLERIES ON EDGE

People walking in the courtyard of the Louvre Museum

People tour the courtyard of the Louvre Museum in the rain Monday, Oct. 27, 2025 in Paris. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Two other members of the team were arrested Sunday and given preliminary charges Wednesday of criminal conspiracy and theft committed by an organized gang. Beccuau said both have at least in part recognized their involvement in the heist.

One suspect, a 34-year-old Algerian national living in France since 2010, was arrested at Charles de Gaulle Airport attempting to flee to Algeria on a one-way ticket. He lived in the northern Paris suburb of Aubervilliers and was previously known to police for traffic violations. His DNA was recovered from a scooter used in the getaway.

Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau speaking

Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau speaks during a news conference at the Paris courthouse Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, on the judicial investigation into the robbery at the Louvre Museum in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Emma Da Silva)

The second suspect, 39, was arrested at his home in Aubervilliers. He was known to police for multiple prior thefts. Investigators matched his DNA to a glass display case that held the stolen jewels, as well as to items the thieves left behind, the prosecutor added.

BRAZEN LOUVRE ROBBERY CREW MAY HAVE BEEN HIRED BY COLLECTOR, PROSECUTOR SAYS

The thieves used a basket lift to scale the museum’s exterior, forced open a window, and used cutting tools to open display cases in the Apollo Gallery. They escaped with eight historic pieces, including:

– A sapphire diadem, necklace, and earring set linked to Queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense

– An emerald necklace and earrings belonging to Empress Marie-Louise, Napoleon’s second wife

– A reliquary brooch

– Empress Eugénie’s diamond diadem and elaborate corsage-bow brooch

Eugénie’s emerald-encrusted crown – set with over 1,300 diamonds – was later found damaged but recoverable outside the museum.

Louvre Director Laurence des Cars acknowledged a “terrible failure” in museum security. However, Beccuau said there is no evidence the theft was an inside job.

police car parked outside Louvre Museum

A police car parks in the courtyard of the Louvre Museum, one week after the robbery, Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025 in Paris. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla)

In a direct appeal to those holding the missing jewels, Beccuau on Wednesday night warned they are “unsellable” due to their historical significance and urged their return.

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“Anyone who buys them would be guilty of concealment of stolen goods,” she said. “There’s still time to give them back.”

Article provided by Fox News, click HERE to view.

Handcuffs

PRESS RELEASE- Lehigh Acres, FL- Jewel Thief Sentenced to Life in Prison.

by ArrestsBurglaryCrime Suspects

Lehigh Acres, FL- This morning, jewel thief Juan Antonio Manresa Leyva, 55, was adjudicated guilty and sentenced to life in prison for an elaborate jewelry store burglary in Lehigh Acres. He was convicted of Grand Theft Over $100,000, First Degree Burglary Causing Damage Over $1,000, and Possession of Burglary Tools, following a trial in September.

The defendant has an extensive criminal history of gem and jewelry heists along the East Coast of the U.S., as well as crimes across the country. He was part of a crime ring that targeted jewelry stores and pawn shops. They would commit the crimes in the same way it was done in this case, by cutting a hole in the roof, disabling alarms and cameras, and using torches to access the safe.

Deputy Chief Assistant State Attorney Abraham Thornburg and Circuit Court Chief Assistant State Attorney Stephanie Russell prosecuted this case involving the burglary of a jewelry store in Lehigh Acres on February 11, 2024.

The crime started in the overnight hours as the defendant and two other men gained entry into the building, by cutting through the roof. They cut through many layers of the wall, including the HVAC system and duct work. They then gained entry to the room that contained a giant safe and broke into the safe with a cutting torch. They pulled jewels out of the safe and tried to flee as law enforcement arrived. The store owners had seen activity on a security camera, that the thieves missed, and called 911 as the heist was in progress.

Lee County Sheriff’s Deputies, utilizing infrared cameras on a helicopter, captured the defendant, hiding in a nearby wooded area, after jumping off the roof.

The defendant was previously convicted in a RICO conspiracy case out of Clay County, Florida and was sentenced to 11 years in prison. He was released in 2020 after serving more than 9 years. That case consisted of 21 jewelry stores and pawn shops that were burglarized in Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and Connecticut. Upon release he committed burglary and grand theft in Sarasota County and was convicted of the crimes. He was released from prison in that case in August 2023. He committed these new crimes here in Lee County, six months after being released from prison.

Due to today’s sentence, he will now serve the rest of his life in prison.

Press release provided by Samantha Syoen – State Attorney’s Office Communications Director.

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Pairs, France- Suspects arrested over brazen jewel theft from Paris’ Louvre museum.

by BurglaryInternationalInternational Links

Police have arrested suspects in connection with the theft of France’s crown jewels from the Louvre museum, just as one attempted to leave the country, the Paris prosecutor’s office said.

Thieves last week targeted the Louvre’s Apollo Gallery in a brazen daylight raid, fleeing with jewelry worth tens of millions in a matter of minutes.

Scores of investigators have been involved in chasing down those suspected of the heist, which Louvre director Laurence des Cars called a “terrible failure.” Last week, des Cars admitted to the French Senate that no security cameras were monitoring the gallery’s second-floor balcony when the thieves broke in using an angle grinder.

French media first broke the news of the arrests, with CNN affiliate BFMTV reporting that two men in their thirties and known to police were detained on Saturday evening local time.

Authorities were able to track down the individuals after analyzing more than 150 samples of DNA left at the scene, BFMTV reported. Both men are from the Parisian suburb of Aubervilliers, where one of them was arrested, it added, while two others suspected of being involved in the heist remain at large.

Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau said that “one of the men arrested was preparing to leave the territory from Roissy airport,” also known as Charles de Gaulle airport, near Paris. BFMTV reported, citing sources, that he was arrested during a passport check before he could board an evening flight to Algeria.

The stolen jewels – comprising nine items including an emerald necklace set among more than 1,000 diamonds gifted by Napoleon to his second wife – were not recovered when the two arrests were made, BFMTV said.

France’s Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez congratulated the investigators for the arrests, who he said “have worked tirelessly, as I asked them to, and who have always had my full confidence.”

Thieves raided the Apollo Gallery on the Louvre’s upper floor last weekend, which houses the French Crown Jewels. They used a truck-mounted ladder to gain access to the gallery, one of the most ornate rooms in the museum, through a window.

In the course of a seven-minute heist, they broke into two high-security display cases and stole nine items, according to France’s culture ministry. Among the items taken was a diamond and sapphire jewelry set including a tiara and necklace worn by Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense.

The jewelry taken from the museum is estimated to be worth 88 million euros ($102 million), Beccuau previously told French radio station RTL. Around 100 investigators have been involved in the manhunt to track down those responsible for the heist, she said.

Following the daylight robbery, French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin admitted that the heist exposed security failings at France’s most famous museum.

“One can wonder about the fact that, for example, the windows hadn’t been secured, about the fact that a basket lift was on a public road,” he said on France Inter radio. “What is certain is that we have failed.”

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TULALIP, WA- GRAB AND RUN

by Crime SuspectsCrimesDaily BlogGrab and Run

Tulalip, WA- On September 29, 2025, A jewelry store at the Seattle Premium Outlets experienced a grab and run theft by a lone female. The female suspect entered the store and asked to see a variety of gold chains. She was shown both natural and lab created diamond studded chains and bracelets. She asked to try on a 22-inch lab created necklace and the employee assisted with putting it on her neck. The suspect then asked to try on a lab created bracelet which she put around her left wrist. The suspect then picked up the third item which was another lab created bracelet from the presentation pad and quickly walked out of the store without making payment. Mall security was advised. No injuries occurred in this incident. A report was filed with local police. The woman is suspected in numerous grab and run thefts since June of this year in Tukwila, Auburn, and Tacoma, Washington. Be Alert.

Suspect(s) Description: Female suspect is described as Asian or Filipino, 35 – 40 years of age, 5’5 – 5’6” tall weighting 120-150 lbs. Chambord black and white shoes, black pants and a black T-shirt under a green jar get. The suspect wore prescription glasses and carried a large pink shoulder bag or purse.

If you have any information regarding this incident or information on this criminal, please contact the Jewelers’ Security Alliance at jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org or 212-687-0328.

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St. Maarten- Brazen Daylight Robbery and Jet-Ski Escape fuel fears amidst St Maarten Crime Wave.

by Armed RobberyCrime SuspectsCrimesInternational

St. Maarten- A dramatic daylight robbery at Value Jewelers located on Front Street on Tuesday has intensified community fears over a perceived surge in crime, prompting conflicting statements from business leaders and law enforcement. The daring heist, which saw suspects escaping on a Jet Ski, occurred just hours after police addressed public safety concerns, highlighting a tense atmosphere on the island.

The robbery took place shortly after noon. According to initial reports, two individuals targeted the jewelry store before making a bold getaway to Cape Bay Beach, where they fled by sea on a Jet Ski. Police responded quickly, detaining several people in the area for questioning. While bystanders reported that the suspects were apprehended, Police Spokesman Joe Josepha stated that the force was actively investigating and would provide confirmed details later.

This latest incident has amplified anxieties within the local business community, particularly among members of the Island Merchants Association (IMA). Earlier, the IMA had issued an urgent public safety notice following what it described as a “concerning increase in criminal activity,” including a series of daily home invasions. IMA President Sunny Khatnani called on residents and business owners to move high-value items like cash and jewelry to secure off-site locations, such as safety deposit boxes.

The association also issued a specific directive for jewelers and their vendors, instructing them to cease using personal vehicles for transporting valuable goods. Instead, they were advised to use professional armored transport services to mitigate the risk of theft during transit.

In response to the IMA’s alert, the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) issued a statement strongly refuting the claim of “daily home invasions.” The police emphasized that such characterizations were not supported by official crime statistics and risked spreading unnecessary fear and misinformation. KPSM reassured the public that it has been conducting strategic operations over the past weeks, resulting in the arrest of multiple suspects involved in armed robberies and other serious offenses.

The police force stressed its commitment to public safety and its ongoing partnership with the community, but requested that organizations ensure public statements are factually accurate to avoid causing undue alarm.

Despite these assurances, the brazen nature of the Value Jewelers robbery has left many residents and merchants on edge. The incident, following so closely on the heels of the public warnings and police response, underscores the significant challenge facing the island as it grapples with both the reality of crime and the community’s growing perception of insecurity. As law enforcement continues its investigation, the community waits anxiously for answers and a restoration of safety.

manchester ct

MANCHESTER, CT- VIDEO: Suspects wanted in ‘smash-and-grab’ jewelry theft at Buckland Hills Mall in Manchester

by Crime SuspectsCrime VideosSmash and Grab

MANCHESTER, CT – Police are investigating a “high-value” jewelry theft inside the Buckland Hill Mall in Manchester. The burglary happened on September 17 around 6 p.m. at King Jewelers.

Police said three men were involved, including a lookout. “The suspects inside the store forcibly smashed several display cases and stole a large quantity of high-value jewelry, including chains, earrings, rings, and other items,” said Manchester police. Authorities are still investigating the total value of the stolen merchandise.

After the theft, police said the suspects fled the scene.

If you have any information regarding this incident or information on these criminals, please contact the Jewelers’ Security Alliance at jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org or 212-687-0328.

To view the article and video provided by News 3, click here.

san marcos

SAN MARCOS, TX- Grab and Run turns into Armed Robbery with a Firearm for Jewelry Store Employees.

by Armed RobberyCrime SuspectsCrimesGrab and Run

San Marcos, TX– On August 7, 2025, cameras at the Kings Jeweler in San Marcos captured an employee showing a costumer some pieces of jewelry.

“He saw the pad that was the heaviest, and he said, ‘can I see that I like that chain, show me that chain,’” the owner of Kings Jeweler, Minhaj Baig, said while describing what’s happening in the video.

Baig explained that the heavier the jewelry, the more expensive. He said usually his employees only show one item at a time, but this customer was distracting the employee.

“My employee, he showed the chain, and he was just like, oh, show me that, show this, so he could distract my sales rep,” Baig said.

Not a minute later, the man snatched the pad with the jewelry on it. “He just took it and ran off. My employee still ran behind him,” Baig said. A car was waiting for the thief outside. It’s described as a white Kia Forte (possibly 2014–2016 model) with a temporary rear tag and a blue placard on the front plate area.

The employee was hanging onto the car until, “they showed him the gun,” Baig said. The employee let go. The thief took $41,000 worth of jewelry with him.

“We have to take that loss and there is no way to recover that loss,” Baig said. The San Marcos Police Department has figured out who the person is in the video. A warrant has been issued for 34-year-old Yasmany Iglesias Miranda. The owner of the jewelry shop is confident police will find him.

“To catch a thief is very important so that other people know that this can happen to you. Don’t try to do this thing again,” Baig said.

Baig’s message for others who do this sort of thing: “Work hard and make that money rather than stealing it. You will get in trouble later on.”

If you have any information on this incident or whereabouts of Yasmany Iglesias Miranda, please contact the Jewelers’ Security Alliance at jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org or 212-687-0328.

To view the article and video provided by Fox 7 News- Austin, click here.

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GREENVILLE, N.C.- Suspect falls through ceiling in failed North Carolina jewelry store heist.

by ArrestsBurglaryCrime NewsCrime SuspectsCrimes

GREENVILLE, N.C. – A pair of suspects from Belgium and Romania are in custody after a failed heist at a jewelry store, according to the Greenville Police Department.

At around 3:59 a.m. on Thursday, officers came to Bailey’s Jewelry on 511 Red Banks Road in Greenville after responding to an alarm.

Police arrived at the scene three minutes later and heard movement in the ceiling of the jewelry store. They issued multiple commands for the suspects to leave the store and the two men were later taken into custody. A large quantity of jewelry was recovered at the scene.

Investigators say one of the suspects was taken to the hospital as he fell through the ceiling during the attempted heist before being released back into police custody.

One of the suspects was identified as Cristi-Catalin Balaban, 31, of Romania. Balaban is being charged with felony breaking and entering and felony attempted larceny.

The second suspect initially provided police with a false name and passport. With the help of the FBI, he was later identified as Nicolae Aramis Stefanuca, 50, of Romania. Stefanuca is being charged with felony breaking and entering, felony attempted larceny and felony obstructing justice.

Both of the suspects are being held in the Pitt County Detention Center.

Investigators say they are working with the FBI and the United States Department of State to determine whether or not the pair committed any additional crimes.

The investigation is still active and police say more charges are possible.

Article provided by Fox 8 News, click here to view.

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New York, NY- Tons of cocaine, $100M cash shipped from LA to NYC via luxury flights, feds allege

by ArrestsCrime SuspectsCrimesUncategorized

New York, NY– Five people were arrested Tuesday in connection with a sprawling cross-country drug trafficking organization that funneled some 22 tons of cocaine and over $100 million in cash between Los Angeles and New York, officials with the U.S. Department of Justice announced.

Prosecutors said in a news release that the organizations’ alleged ringleaders, 45-year-old David Rodriguez, aka “Gotti” and “Fat Boy,” of Dumont, New Jersey, and 39-year-old Raymond O’Connell, aka “Sal” and “White Boy,” of Manhattan, have been in custody since 2024.

The two men are accused of purchasing and shipping bulk quantities of cocaine stored at an office fronting as a jewelry store in the California Jewelry Mart in downtown L.A.

Cocaine was reportedly shipped in locked plastic cases concealed in New York City’s Diamond District using what the DOJ described as “high-value freight forwarding companies” that specialize in shipping jewelry, precious metals and fine art.

Once Rodriguez and O’Connell redistributed the drugs to co-conspirators on the East Coast, prosecutors allege, they directed the cash proceeds to L.A., where others in the organization laundered the cash.

Investigators said that more than 800 parcels of coke were shipped from L.A. to New York, an estimated 22 tons of the drug, with an estimated street value of $315 million. More than 500 parcels were shipped from New York to L.A. with an estimated street value of $105 million.

“During the investigation, law enforcement seized more than $2.8 million in cash drug proceeds and more than 725 kilograms (nearly 1,600 pounds) of cocaine, as well as high-end cars and jewelry that defendants purchased using drug proceeds,” the release noted.

Another defendant in the case, 47-year-old New York City resident Ronnell Sweat, pleaded guilty to federal firearm charges in 2024 and is currently serving a 15-year sentence in federal prison, according to the DOJ.

Five additional arrests made Tuesday in connection with the drug trafficking organization, including:

52-year-old Brooklyn resident Jamel Donald Levy
50-year-old Bronx resident Bruce Adams
33-year-old Englewood, New Jersey, resident Cindy Rachel Imbert
30-year-old downtown L.A. resident Nohely Jimenez
42-year-old downtown L.A. resident Lorna “Cookie” Martinez
All three defendants from the East Coast made their initial court appearances on Tuesday in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, while both L.A. defendants are due to appear in Los Angeles federal court on Wednesday.

Authorities have yet to announce exactly what charges the five defendants arrested on Tuesday are facing.

Rodriquez and O’Connell were charged by federal prosecutors with the following counts:

Engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise
Conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine
Four counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine
Conspiracy to launder monetary instruments and money laundering
“If convicted, Rodriguez and O’Connell would face mandatory sentences of life in federal prison. The cocaine distribution charges carry a 10-year mandatory minimum prison sentence and a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment,” the release detailed. “The money laundering-related counts are punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison.”

Investigators are still trying to locate two other defendants charged in the superseding indictment: 52-year-old Daniel “Nice” Vega and 40-year-old Gregory “G” Antonio Benitez, both residents of New York City.

Article provided by Fox 59 News, click HERE to view.

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2 suspects killed in ‘gun battle’ with Oakland pawn shop owner after attempted robbery

by Armed RobberyArrestsCrime SuspectsCrime VideosUncategorized

OAKLAND, CA. — Two people were shot dead and four were injured during a robbery attempt at a pawn shop in East Oakland on Wednesday evening, according to police.

Just before 7:45 p.m., several people were shot in the 7100 block of International Boulevard at the Cash 4 Gold pawn shop, according to the police officers’ union.

According to the preliminary investigation, individuals armed with weapons entered the pawn shop and an exchange of gunfire took place between these individuals and the workers inside the establishment, the department said.

When officers arrived at the scene, they located multiple people who were struck by the gunfire. Medical personnel confirmed that one person was deceased. Five other people who were struck by gunfire, including the business owner, were taken to an area hospital, where a second person was confirmed dead, the Oakland Police Department said. The remaining three suspects were in stable condition as of 10:30 p.m., and the owner is expected to survive, according to Oakland Police Officers Association spokesperson Sam Singer. Singer said a robber allegedly pulled a gun on the store owner, who then pulled a gun on the robber and four accomplices. A “major gun battle” ensued, said Singer.

The store owner allegedly shot and killed the two people and wounded the other three. Detectives are conducting a follow-up investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting, the department said. The Oakland Police Department will be holding a press conference on Thursday.

Article provided by ABC News, click here to view.