A Fresh Set of Apprehensions Executed in Relation to Louvre Precious Gems Heist
Four additional persons have been detained within the framework of the continuing probe into the previous theft of precious jewellery at the Paris Louvre, per reports from the Parisian legal officials.
Details of the Latest Arrests
Two male suspects, 38 and 39 years old, and two women, in their early thirties and forties, were taken into custody this Tuesday. All are from the Paris region.
Included in this group is considered as the last participant of a group of four that allegedly carried out the broad-daylight robbery, according to media sources in France. The remaining trio alleged robbers have already been arrested and charged, according to officials.
Law enforcement has been granted a maximum of four days to conduct interviews. No trace has to date been discovered of the stolen jewels - worth an estimated €88m (£76m; $102m) - which were taken on 19 October.
Earlier Charges and Rejections
A group of four have previously faced charges over the heist - three male and one female suspects, who also live in the Paris region.
One female, aged 38 was formally accused earlier in the month with aiding organized theft and illegal conspiracy aimed at perpetrating an offense.
Separately, a man, aged 37, was accused of theft and criminal conspiracy.
The pair of accused, who have not been named publicly, have denied any involvement.
The Way the Theft Took Place
The theft took place when the quartet of male perpetrators employed a hijacked vehicle with a mounted lift to gain access to the Apollo Gallery via a balcony close to the River Seine.
The thieves utilized a cutting disc to crack open showcases containing the jewelry.
The thieves were inside for just 240 seconds and executed their getaway on a pair of scooters stationed outside at 9:38 AM, before transferring to automobiles.
A single pilfered object - a crown - was fallen in the flight but eight more objects of jewelry - featuring an emerald and diamond necklace that Emperor Napoleon presented to his second spouse, Empress Marie-Louise - were stolen.
Security Shortcomings and Consequences
Officials have revealed that the theft was performed by small-time offenders instead of experienced crime syndicates.
Shortly after the theft, it was announced by the Louvre leadership that the sole surveillance camera observing the Galerie d'Apollon was facing opposite the balcony scaled by the robbers to commit the burglary.
The president of the Louvre has subsequently acknowledged that the museum had failed in its responsibilities, but disputed allegations of security being ignored - stating that from the moment of her appointment in 2021 she had been warning constantly of the necessity of increased funding.
Improved Protective Steps
Since the incident, security measures have been tightened around the nation's cultural landmarks.
The museum has moved some of its most precious jewels to the French central bank after the theft.