Authorities have arrested two men suspected of taking part in a heist at the Louvre museum in Paris, in which a crew of four criminals made off with crown jewels worth an estimated €88 million ($157 million), according to French media.

Le Parisien reported the pair, aged about 30 and from the Seine-Saint-Denis area, were arrested on Saturday evening (Sunday AEDT).

The two men , already known for burglaries, appear to be experienced criminals and may have been acting on orders, the newspaper reported.

The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed the arrests and said one of the men had been preparing to leave for Algeria from Roissy Airport, triggering the need for police to swoop and make the arrest.

The suspects can be held in custody for up to 96 hours without charge, under French law.

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