Another Four Arrests Executed in Link to Paris Louvre Museum Jewellery Theft
Another four persons are now under arrest as part of the continuing probe into the recent theft of priceless gems at the Paris Louvre, according to the Parisian legal officials.
Details of the Latest Apprehensions
A pair of males, 38 and 39 years old, and a duo of females, in their early thirties and forties, faced apprehension earlier this week. All are from the greater Paris area.
Included in this group is considered as the last participant of a four-man gang that allegedly carried out the daylight heist, as reported by local news outlets. The remaining trio suspected thieves were previously detained and charged, authorities state.
Investigators currently possess a maximum of four days to question them. No trace has to date been discovered of the stolen jewels - valued at €88m (£76m; $102m) - which were stolen on October 19th.
Previous Charges and Disavowals
Four people have already been charged concerning the theft - three men and a woman, who also live in the Paris region.
A woman in her late thirties was formally accused earlier in the month with involvement in organized robbery and criminal conspiracy aimed at perpetrating an offense.
Additionally, a man, aged 37, was indicted for robbery and illegal conspiracy.
These two suspects, who have not been named publicly, have denied any involvement.
The Method of the Robbery Took Place
The theft took place when the group of four men utilized a stolen mechanical lift attached to a vehicle to enter the Galerie d'Apollon by means of a balcony close to the River Seine.
The perpetrators employed a disc cutter to crack open exhibition cases housing the jewellery.
The thieves were inside for just 240 seconds and executed their getaway on a pair of scooters waiting outside at 09:38 in the morning, before changing to vehicles.
One taken artifact - an imperial crown - was dropped during the escape but eight additional pieces of precious ornaments - including an emerald-and-diamond necklace that was gifted by Napoleon I his second spouse, Marie-Louise of Austria - were stolen.
Protective Shortcomings and Consequences
It has been stated that the theft was performed by petty criminals instead of organised crime professionals.
Soon following the robbery, it was announced by the Louvre leadership that the sole surveillance camera observing the Galerie d'Apollon was facing opposite the terrace used by the perpetrators to gain entry.
The president of the Louvre has subsequently acknowledged that the institution had fallen short in its duties, but rejected claims that security was neglected - stating that from the moment of her appointment in 2021 she had been warning constantly of the need for more investment.
Strengthened Protective Steps
Since the incident, protective protocols have been strengthened for French heritage sites.
The Louvre has transferred a selection of its most valuable gems to the national bank in the aftermath of the robbery.
