A Fresh Set of Arrests Carried Out in Relation to Paris Louvre Museum Precious Gems Robbery
Another four individuals were taken into custody within the framework of the ongoing investigation into the recent robbery of precious jewelry at the Louvre Museum, per reports from the Paris prosecutor's office.
Details of the Latest Apprehensions
Two men, in their late thirties, and two female individuals, 31 and 40 years of age, faced apprehension earlier this week. Each hails from the Γle-de-France region.
Among them is believed to be the remaining individual of a four-man gang that is said to have performed the daytime theft, according to French media. The additional three suspected thieves have already been arrested and indicted, according to officials.
Police now have as much as 96 hours to conduct interviews. Zero evidence has so far been found of the pilfered gems - worth an estimated 88 million euros (76 million pounds; 102 million dollars) - which were stolen on October 19th.
Previous Accusations and Disavowals
Four individuals have already been charged in relation to the robbery - three men and a woman, who similarly reside within the Parisian area.
One female, aged 38 was formally accused earlier in the month with aiding organized theft and criminal conspiracy aimed at perpetrating an offense.
Additionally, a 37-year-old male, was accused of robbery and illegal conspiracy.
These two suspects, who have not had their identities disclosed, have rejected all accusations.
How the Heist Was Executed
The theft took place when the team of four individuals utilized a stolen mechanical lift attached to a vehicle to breach the Galerie d'Apollon (Gallery of Apollo) by means of a balcony close to the River Seine.
The thieves utilized a circular saw to force open exhibition cases housing the jewellery.
The perpetrators stayed inside for a mere four minutes and executed their getaway on two scooters waiting outside at 09:38 in the morning, before changing to vehicles.
One taken artifact - a crown - was lost during the getaway but eight more objects of precious ornaments - featuring an emerald and diamond necklace that Napoleon I gave his empress, Empress Marie-Louise - were stolen.
Protective Failures and Aftermath
Officials have revealed that the theft was performed by minor lawbreakers rather than sophisticated criminal organizations.
In the immediate aftermath of the heist, it was disclosed by the museum's director that the only camera watching the Apollo Gallery was directed away from the balcony scaled by the robbers to commit the burglary.
Louvre leadership has since admitted that the museum had failed in its duties, but denied that security had been overlooked - stating that from the time she took office in the year 2021 she had been repeatedly cautioning of the necessity of increased funding.
Improved Security Measures
Since the incident, protective protocols have been tightened around the nation's cultural landmarks.
Officials have relocated some of its most precious jewels to the French central bank after the theft.