A Fresh Set of Arrests Carried Out in Relation to Paris Louvre Museum Jewellery Robbery
Another four persons have been detained in the context of the continuing probe into the last month's heist of precious jewellery at the Paris Louvre, per reports from the Paris prosecutor's office.
Specifics of the Latest Detentions
Two male suspects, 38 and 39 years old, and two women, aged 31 and 40, were arrested on Tuesday. Each hails from the ĂŽle-de-France region.
One of those detained is believed to be the final member of a four-man gang that allegedly carried out the daylight heist, per media sources in France. The additional three alleged robbers were previously detained and charged, officials say.
Police now have a maximum of four days to interrogate the suspects. Not a single clue has so far been found of the taken jewelry - valued at 88 million euros (76 million pounds; 102 million dollars) - which were taken on 19 October.
Prior Indictments and Denials
Four individuals have already been charged concerning the theft - three male and one female suspects, who are likewise residents of the Parisian area.
One female, aged 38 was formally accused earlier in the month with aiding organized theft and conspiracy to commit crimes aimed at perpetrating an offense.
In a distinct case, a man, aged 37, was charged with robbery and illegal conspiracy.
Both of these individuals, who remain unnamed in public records, have denied any involvement.
The Method of the Robbery Was Carried Out
The robbery occurred when the team of four individuals used a stolen vehicle-mounted mechanical lift to breach the Galerie d'Apollon (Gallery of Apollo) by means of a balcony adjacent to the Seine.
The thieves utilized a circular saw to crack open display cases which held the precious items.
The thieves were inside for just 240 seconds and made their escape on two motor scooters positioned externally at 09:38, before changing to vehicles.
One taken artifact - a royal crown - was fallen in the flight but eight more objects of jewellery - featuring an emerald and diamond necklace that was gifted by Napoleon I his second spouse, Marie-Louise of Austria - were stolen.
Safeguarding Deficiencies and Fallout
It has been stated that the theft was performed by petty criminals as opposed to sophisticated criminal organizations.
In the immediate aftermath of the heist, it was disclosed by the museum's director that the only camera monitoring the Galerie d'Apollon was directed away from the balcony the thieves climbed over to commit the burglary.
Louvre leadership has since admitted that the museum had failed in its duties, but denied that security had been overlooked - saying that from the beginning of her tenure in 2021 she had been warning constantly of the requirement for additional resources.
Enhanced Safeguarding Protocols
In the wake of the robbery, protective protocols have been tightened around French heritage sites.
The Louvre has transferred some of its most precious jewels to the French central bank after the theft.
