The investigation into the $88 million Louvre heist is heating up. French detectives have crossed into Belgium after analyzing phones of Eastern European suspects revealed direct connections to the country.
Photos from the Apollo Gallery-the scene of the crime-along with specific communications and contacts have pointed to Belgium as a potential base of operations for the theft ring.
Authorities are now checking the associates of known suspects in France as well as possible fences who may have helped organize the heist. This strengthens the theory of a commando-style team working for wealthy international backers.
The stolen haul, worth €88 million, includes a diamond and emerald necklace given by Napoleon to Empress Marie-Louise, jewelry from 19th-century queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense, and the pearl and diamond tiara of Empress Eugénie.
Nothing has been recovered yet, but according to French and Belgian reports, some suspects are ready to reveal where the jewelry is hidden in exchange for reduced sentences.