Four Apprehensions Carried Out in Link to Paris Louvre Museum Jewellery Robbery
A further quartet of individuals are now under arrest as part of the ongoing investigation into the last month's heist of priceless jewellery at the famous Paris museum, according to the Paris prosecutor's office.
Details of the Newest Apprehensions
Two male suspects, aged 38 and 39, and a duo of females, in their early thirties and forties, were taken into custody this Tuesday. All are from the Paris region.
Among them is considered as the last participant of a quartet of thieves that reportedly executed the daytime theft, as reported by French media. The additional three suspected thieves are already in custody and formally accused, authorities state.
Investigators currently possess as much as 96 hours to conduct interviews. Zero evidence has so far been found of the stolen jewels - valued at €88m (£76m; $102m) - which were taken on 19 October.
Previous Charges and Disavowals
Four individuals have already been indicted concerning the theft - three male and one female suspects, who are likewise residents of the Paris region.
One female, aged 38 was charged earlier this month with involvement in organized robbery and criminal conspiracy aimed at perpetrating an offense.
In a distinct case, a 37-year-old male, was indicted for theft and criminal conspiracy.
The pair of accused, who remain unnamed in public records, have disavowed any participation.
The Way the Theft Was Carried Out
The robbery occurred when the team of four individuals used a stolen vehicle-mounted mechanical lift to gain access to the Galerie d'Apollon (Gallery of Apollo) by means of a balcony near the Seine River.
The perpetrators employed a circular saw to crack open display cases containing the jewelry.
The thieves were inside for a mere four minutes and executed their getaway on two scooters positioned externally at 9:38 AM, before switching to cars.
One of the stolen items - an imperial crown - was dropped during the escape but eight additional pieces of jewelry - featuring an emerald and diamond necklace that Emperor Napoleon presented to his empress, Empress Marie-Louise - were taken.
Safeguarding Failures and Aftermath
Authorities have indicated that the theft was performed by petty criminals as opposed to organised crime professionals.
In the immediate aftermath of the heist, it was disclosed by the museum's director that the sole surveillance camera monitoring the Galerie d'Apollon was facing opposite the terrace used by the perpetrators to break in.
The president of the Louvre has later confessed that the museum had failed in its obligations, but denied that security had been overlooked - stating that from the moment of her appointment in the year 2021 she had been consistently alerting of the necessity of increased funding.
Enhanced Safeguarding Protocols
Since the incident, security measures have been tightened around France's cultural institutions.
The museum has moved a selection of its most valuable gems to the national bank following the heist.
