Louvre Theft Suspect Revealed as Local Influencer With 15 Prior Convictions

Uploaded Videos of Motorcycle Stunts and Muscle Training
Also Worked as Security Guard at Logistics Firms and Pompidou Center

One of the suspects in the Louvre Museum jewelry theft in Paris, France, has been revealed to be an active figure on social networking services (SNS) such as TikTok and Instagram. On the 5th, Yonhap News, citing the British media outlet The Guardian, reported that French judicial authorities identified Abdullaye N (36), a suspect in the Louvre theft case, as a local influencer who operated under the name "Doudou Cross Bitume."

On the 25th of last month, Abdullaye, a suspect in the Louvre jewelry theft, was arrested at his home in Aubervilliers, northern Paris, and charged with organized theft and conspiracy to commit a crime. He posted numerous videos on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram under the nickname 'Dudu Cross Bitum.' Photo by AP Yonhap News

Previously, on the 25th of last month, Abdullaye, a suspect in the Louvre jewelry theft, was arrested at his home in Aubervilliers, northern Paris, and charged with organized theft and conspiracy to commit a crime. He posted numerous videos on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram under the nickname "Doudou Cross Bitume." The videos he uploaded showed him performing motorcycle stunts in Paris and Aubervilliers, as well as introducing muscle training methods.

In particular, the motorcycle model featured in his videos was identified as the same Yamaha TMAX used by the four-member Louvre theft group during their escape. Abdullaye had previously worked as a security guard at logistics companies such as UPS and Toys "R" Us, as well as at the Pompidou Center art museum, and had 15 prior convictions. His charges include drug possession and transportation, unlicensed driving, and endangering others. In 2014, he was convicted in a jewelry store robbery case. His DNA matched the DNA found on the display case, gloves, fluorescent vest, and cutting tool at the crime scene. He is suspected of being one of the two individuals who broke into the gallery.

However, the French prosecution has provisionally indicted a total of four people, including Abdullaye, on charges such as organized crime and conspiracy, and is pursuing one more suspect, but the stolen items have not yet been recovered. The French prosecution is noting that the suspects in this case differ from those in similar, meticulously planned crimes in the past. Local media are suggesting that, for this reason, the suspects may have been employed by an undisclosed third party.

French Court of Audit: "Louvre Focused More on Art Acquisition Than Security"

Meanwhile, the French Court of Audit has also pointed out that the Louvre Museum prioritized art acquisition over strengthening security. In its audit report on the museum's operations from 2018 to 2024, the French Court of Audit noted that maintenance and modernization work at the museum has been significantly delayed. For example, the basic fire response plan established in 2004 has not been completed even after 20 years. Although this audit report was written on the 19th of last month, before the jewelry theft incident, and does not mention the case, the museum's neglect of security has become a clear target of criticism.

Among these, the French Court of Audit also pointed out that the Louvre Museum in France prioritized artwork acquisition over security enhancement. In its audit report on the museum's operations from 2018 to 2024, the French Court of Audit noted that maintenance and modernization work at the museum has been significantly delayed. AP Yonhap News

Although surveillance cameras are being installed in the exhibition halls, the process is slow. As of 2024, only 64% of the Denon Wing, which houses the "Mona Lisa" and receives the most visitors, is equipped with cameras. This is an increase compared to 51% five years ago. The situation in the Richelieu Wing is even worse, with cameras installed in only one quarter of the exhibition rooms. The Court of Audit pointed out that this is because the museum is investing its budget elsewhere.

During the audit period, the museum spent over 105 million euros (approximately 150 billion won) of its own funds on art acquisitions and 63.5 million euros (92 billion won) on remodeling exhibition spaces. In the same period, the amount spent on maintenance and work to meet safety standards was 26.7 million euros (3.8 billion won), and only 59.5 million euros (8.62 billion won) was allocated to restoration work on the historic palace building.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.