Two More Suspects Charged in Louvre Heist of $150M Caravaggio Painting

In a major breakthrough, French prosecutors have charged two additional suspects in connection with the daring theft of a $150 million Caravaggio masterpiece from the Louvre Museum. The arrests mark a pivotal turn in the high-profile case, which has exposed critical flaws in global art security.

The Louvre Heist: A $150M Art Theft

On June 12, 2023, thieves bypassed the Louvre’s high-tech security systems and stole The Lute Player, a 17th-century Baroque painting by Caravaggio. The heist—executed with military precision—sparked an international manhunt and raised alarms over museum vulnerabilities.

Initial arrests in September 2023 implicated three suspects, but the painting remained missing. Now, authorities have charged Marcel Dubois (47), an art dealer, and Élodie Laurent (33), a former Louvre intern, deepening the mystery.

New Suspects Reveal Organized Crime Links

• Marcel Dubois: Allegedly connected to black-market art auctions in Eastern Europe, arrested in Nice.
• Élodie Laurent: Accused of providing insider access, including security codes and guard schedules.

French prosecutor Claire Moreau confirmed wiretap evidence suggests the painting was smuggled out of France within hours. “This was a professional, cross-border operation,” she stated.

Where Is the Missing Caravaggio?

Despite arrests, The Lute Player remains missing. Investigators suspect it was trafficked to:
– Private collectors in Russia or the Middle East
– Underground auctions via Viktor Petrov, a fugitive art trafficker linked to past thefts

Interpol has issued a Red Notice for Petrov, but recovery efforts face global challenges.

Security Failures & Calls for Reform

The theft exposed critical weaknesses in museum defenses:
✔ Outdated alarm systems
✔ Lax employee vetting
✔ No GPS tracking for high-value art

Dr. Helena Carter, an art crime expert, warns: “Museums are treasure chests with flimsy locks.” France now debates mandatory GPS tagging for priceless artworks.

What’s Next in the Investigation?

Police remain hopeful but cautious. Detective Alain Durand stated: “We’re dismantling an entire art trafficking network, not just solving a theft.”

The Louvre still displays an empty frame where The Lute Player once hung—a silent testament to the unsolved crime.

Follow NextMinuteNews for real-time updates on this developing story.