Louvre Art Theft Suspect: Pierre Malinovsky

Louvre Art Theft: Russian-French Citizen Malinovsky Named Prime Suspect

A complex international art theft case is unfolding, involving historical artifacts from prestigious museums like the Louvre. A prime suspect, Pierre Malinovsky, a dual Russian-French citizen, is at the centre of the investigation. Meanwhile, Russian security services are also probing the case, and high-profile figures are entangled in the affair.

Malinovsky, who denies involvement in the Louvre theft, has been named as the prime suspect. He suggests individuals of Arab descent living in France may be responsible. The investigation is ongoing, with French authorities reaching out to Russian specialists in antiquities-related crimes. Two suspects, both men in their thirties, one French and the other with dual French-Algerian citizenship, have been arrested and are under investigation.

Malinovsky, president of the Foundation for Russian-French Historical Initiatives, has had meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin. His connection to the Kremlin is further highlighted by Yelizaveta Peskova, daughter of Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who previously held a position at the foundation. Malinovsky claims he is cooperating with Russian security services in Moscow and denies being in the UAE.

The FSB, Russia's security agency, has been working on the case for eight months. Malinovsky claims there is footage of a Frenchman selling the stolen coins in Moscow, but this has not been released by the FSB. He alleges that French authorities are deliberately linking his name to the thefts to 'portray Russia in a negative light'.

The international investigation into the Louvre theft continues, with an international arrest warrant reportedly being prepared. Despite Malinovsky's denials and claims of a conspiracy, the evidence against him has led to his status as the prime suspect. The complex web of political and historical connections adds another layer to this intricate case.