Four Detentions Carried Out in Connection to Louvre Jewellery Heist
Four additional suspects are now under arrest within the framework of the active inquiry into the last month's robbery of priceless jewellery at the Paris Louvre, according to the Paris prosecutor's office.
Particulars of the Most Recent Arrests
Two men, aged 38 and 39, and two women, aged 31 and 40, were arrested on Tuesday. Each hails from the greater Paris area.
Included in this group is considered as the final member of a quartet of thieves that is said to have performed the daylight heist, per local news outlets. The remaining trio accused perpetrators are already in custody and indicted, officials say.
Investigators currently possess as much as 96 hours to conduct interviews. Zero evidence has so far been found of the pilfered gems - appraised at €88m (£76m; $102m) - which were taken on 19 October.
Earlier Accusations and Denials
Four people have already been indicted over the heist - a trio of males and one female, who similarly reside within the Paris region.
A woman in her late thirties was charged earlier this month with involvement in organized robbery and conspiracy to commit crimes aimed at perpetrating an offense.
Additionally, one male suspect, 37 years old, was indicted for theft and criminal conspiracy.
Both of these individuals, who remain unnamed in public records, have disavowed any participation.
The Way the Theft Was Executed
The heist happened when the team of four individuals used a stolen vehicle-mounted mechanical lift to breach the Galerie d'Apollon via a balcony close to the River Seine.
The men used a circular saw to break into display cases which held the precious items.
The robbers remained within for four minutes and made their escape on a pair of scooters stationed outside at 09:38 in the morning, before changing to vehicles.
A single pilfered object - a crown - was dropped during the escape but eight additional pieces of precious ornaments - such as a necklace with emeralds and diamonds that Emperor Napoleon presented to his empress, the Empress Marie-Louise - were appropriated.
Protective Deficiencies and Aftermath
Authorities have indicated that the heist was carried out by petty criminals instead of experienced crime syndicates.
Soon following the robbery, it was disclosed by the museum's director that the sole surveillance camera watching the Apollo Gallery was facing opposite the balcony scaled by the robbers to commit the burglary.
The president of the Louvre has subsequently acknowledged that the institution had fallen short in its responsibilities, but rejected claims that security was neglected - saying that from the time she took office in 2021 she had been warning constantly of the requirement for additional resources.
Strengthened Safeguarding Protocols
Following the event, protective protocols have been enhanced at the nation's cultural landmarks.
The Louvre has transferred some of its most precious jewels to the national bank following the heist.