Abdoulaye N, a 39-year-old social media personality with a history of minor offenses, is a suspect in the theft of €88m of crown jewels from the Louvre, with his DNA reportedly found at the scene. He is accused of organized theft and criminal conspiracy, and is believed to have been one of the individuals who broke into the Apollo gallery. The suspects reportedly used a stolen truck and motorbikes in the heist, which took under seven minutes. Abdoulaye N, who has partially admitted involvement, is known for his motorbike stunts and has previously worked security and logistics.
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On Thursday, the investigation into the Louvre crown-jewels heist saw five more individuals seized, including a suspect linked by DNA, which expanded the scope of the search across Paris and its suburbs. Authorities have now apprehended three of the four alleged members of the “commando” team, with one detainee suspected of being part of the group that committed the crime. The recent arrests have not led to the recovery of the stolen treasures, valued at approximately $102 million. Police have acknowledged significant security flaws at the museum.
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A 3,000-year-old bracelet belonging to Pharaoh Amenemope was stolen from Cairo’s Egyptian Museum and subsequently melted down for gold, sparking outrage. The theft occurred on September 9th, with lax security procedures cited as a contributing factor. Four suspects, including a restoration specialist, have been arrested and confessed, revealing a chain of dealers who facilitated the bracelet’s sale and melting. The incident has prompted calls for improved security measures at the museum and other heritage sites, along with the suspension of overseas exhibits until better controls are in place.
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At the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam, a child caused superficial scratches to Mark Rothko’s “Grey, Orange on Maroon, No. 8,” a painting valued at up to €50 million. The museum is assessing the damage and plans to restore the artwork. This incident follows other instances of artwork vandalism, including a 2012 attack on another Rothko painting and recent activist attacks at the National Gallery in London. The museum expects the painting to be displayed again.
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John Q. Hosedrinker