Friends Say Louvre Heist Suspect Tried Leaving a Rough Past Behind
In a shocking twist to the recent Louvre heist, friends of the primary suspect claim he had been striving for redemption before allegedly stealing a 17th-century diamond-encrusted artifact. Identified as Arjun Mehta (name changed), the 32-year-old’s past reveals a struggle between crime and reinvention.
A Troubled Youth in Mumbai
Growing up in a low-income Mumbai neighborhood, Mehta was drawn into petty crime as a teenager.
“He was a bright kid, but the environment got the better of him.”
— Rohan Sharma, childhood friend
By 18, he faced juvenile detention for theft and burglary. After a prison stint in his 20s, he moved to France in 2018 on a student visa, studying art history—a stark contrast to his past.
The Louvre: A Target for Thieves
The “Sultan’s Tear”, a Mughal-era diamond pendant worth €20M, vanished last week in a precision heist. Authorities suspect insider involvement—Mehta appeared in surveillance footage near a restricted area before the theft.
“He loved art but joked about pulling off the perfect heist.”
— Anonymous acquaintance
A Life of Contradictions
- Art lover: Frequent museum visits, social media posts praising creativity
- Struggling student: Financial stress on a restrictive visa
- Old ties?: Investigators probe possible underworld connections
Why Did He Relapse?
Friends speculate:
✔ Desperation: Struggling to afford life in Paris
✔ Past catching up: Possible pressure from criminal networks
International Manhunt Underway
French police, with Interpol, issued a Red Notice. Did he flee to another EU country or return to India? His family denies recent contact.
A Cautionary Tale of Second Chances
Mehta’s story raises questions:
– Can former criminals truly escape their past?
– What drives someone to risk redemption for one last score?
NextMinuteNews will update this developing Louvre heist case. Follow for the latest.
