The charges come as investigators continue to uncover details surrounding the meticulously planned heist, which targeted treasures from the museum’s famed Galerie d’Apollon.

According to the Paris prosecutor’s office, a 37-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman were placed under formal investigation on Saturday.

The man, who is known to police for previous theft-related offenses, faces charges of organized theft and criminal conspiracy. The woman was charged with complicity in organized theft and conspiracy.

Both individuals have denied involvement in the robbery and remain in pre-trial detention as inquiries continue.

The announcement brings the total number of people formally charged in the case to four. Three others who had been detained earlier in the week were released without charge after questioning.

The ongoing investigation reflects the seriousness with which French authorities are treating the case, given both the monetary value of the stolen jewels—estimated at around $102 million—and the symbolic importance of the Louvre as a global cultural landmark.

While details about the identities of the two new suspects remain limited, local media reported that the woman is from La Courneuve, a suburb located north of Paris.

The prosecutor’s office declined to release further information to protect the integrity of the investigation. Officials emphasized that cooperation between different branches of law enforcement has been crucial in tracing the suspects and piecing together the events leading up to the heist.

The first two suspects charged in the case were arrested earlier in October. One, a 34-year-old Algerian national living in France since 2010, was detained by police at the airport as he attempted to board a flight to Algeria.

The second, a 39-year-old man already under judicial supervision for aggravated theft, resides in Aubervilliers, a neighborhood in northern Paris. Both individuals have reportedly made partial admissions regarding their involvement in the crime.

Investigators believe the heist was carried out by a small, highly organized group that used a mover’s lift to access the second-floor gallery, where they smashed display cases with power tools before fleeing on scooters driven by accomplices.

The theft was executed with precision, suggesting prior knowledge of the museum’s layout and security systems. Despite the swift arrests, none of the stolen jewels have yet been recovered, and the search for the missing treasures continues.

The Louvre Museum, one of the world’s most visited cultural institutions, has remained open to the public since the incident. Museum officials have assured visitors that security protocols are being thoroughly reviewed and strengthened to prevent similar incidents in the future.

French authorities have also noted that the museum’s cooperation has been instrumental in the investigation, providing surveillance footage and technical information that helped trace the suspects’ movements.

Experts in art security have pointed out that high-value museum heists often involve extensive planning and international networks.

They have expressed confidence in the French police’s ability to eventually locate the stolen items, as such rare pieces are extremely difficult to sell on the open market without attracting attention.

The investigation continues under the supervision of specialized judges, with international cooperation being considered in case the stolen jewels are moved across borders.

Authorities have encouraged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious offers related to rare art or jewelry that may be connected to the case.

While the theft has raised concerns about museum security worldwide, it has also sparked renewed discussions about protecting cultural heritage and ensuring that global treasures remain accessible and safe.

The case continues to capture public attention, symbolizing both the vulnerability and enduring importance of the world’s great museums.

The candidates, Egypt’s Khaled el-Enany and the Republic of Congo’s Firmin Édouard Matoko, bring diverse expertise and visions for the future of the Paris-based United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Both contenders are widely recognized for their dedication to advancing UNESCO’s mission and fostering international collaboration.

Khaled el-Enany, an Egyptian antiquities expert and former tourism and antiquities minister, is supported by the African Union and the Arab League. He brings deep experience in cultural preservation, education, and heritage management, having worked as a tour guide through Egypt’s historic sites and earned a doctorate in France.

If chosen, el-Enany is expected to prioritize UNESCO’s cultural programs, including the protection of World Heritage sites, promotion of historical education, and efforts to combat antisemitism and religious intolerance. His election would mark a historic milestone as the potential first Arab leader of UNESCO, highlighting the organization’s global inclusivity and commitment to diverse perspectives.

Firmin Édouard Matoko, a Congolese economist and longtime UNESCO official, offers decades of experience in education, peacebuilding, and international development. Having worked in Rwanda, El Salvador, Somalia, and beyond, Matoko has a proven track record in delivering practical, impactful solutions in challenging environments.

He emphasizes the importance of moving UNESCO toward technical solutions, ensuring that its programs are efficient, effective, and responsive to local and global needs. Matoko’s vision includes expanding private sector engagement, strengthening educational programs, and maintaining budgetary rigor, which will help UNESCO continue its vital work even amid financial challenges.

Both candidates face the opportunity to lead UNESCO at a pivotal time. While the recent withdrawal of United States funding presents a budgetary challenge, it also opens the door for creative solutions, stronger partnerships, and renewed international collaboration. Both el-Enany and Matoko have pledged to explore new funding avenues, including private sector partnerships and contributions from emerging economies, ensuring that UNESCO’s projects continue to flourish worldwide.

Their leadership promises innovative strategies to maintain and expand UNESCO’s influence, particularly in areas such as global education, scientific research, and cultural preservation.

UNESCO’s work has far-reaching global impact. The organization is renowned for protecting World Heritage sites, supporting education for girls, promoting Holocaust awareness, and funding scientific research in developing countries.

Previous initiatives, such as the rebuilding of Mosul after devastation by Daesh, demonstrate UNESCO’s role in restoring cultural heritage and fostering resilience. With new leadership, these programs are expected to grow, benefiting millions worldwide while encouraging cross-cultural understanding and peace.

The selection of a new director also provides a unique opportunity for modernization and reform. El-Enany’s fresh perspective outside the UN system and Matoko’s extensive institutional experience both offer complementary approaches to strengthening UNESCO’s governance, efficiency, and global reach.

By leveraging their diverse skills, UNESCO can continue to lead on critical global issues, from education and science to cultural preservation and climate awareness.

As the executive board deliberates, the world watches with optimism. The next director-general of UNESCO will have the chance to reinforce the organization’s relevance, inspire international cooperation, and ensure that its programs continue to make meaningful impacts for generations to come. With capable, dedicated leadership on the horizon, UNESCO stands ready to embrace new opportunities, strengthen partnerships, and continue its mission of promoting knowledge, culture, and peace across the globe.