Four Apprehensions Made in Connection to Louvre Jewellery Heist
Four additional suspects have been detained in the context of the ongoing investigation into the previous robbery of valuable jewellery at the Louvre Museum, per reports from the French judicial authorities.
Particulars of the Newest Arrests
Two male suspects, 38 and 39 years old, and a duo of females, aged 31 and 40, were taken into custody this Tuesday. Each hails from the greater Paris area.
Among them is thought to be the remaining individual of a group of four that is said to have performed the daytime theft, as reported by local news outlets. The other three suspected thieves have already been arrested and indicted, authorities state.
Investigators currently possess as much as 96 hours to question them. Not a single clue has so far been found of the pilfered gems - worth an estimated eighty-eight million euros - which were stolen on October 19th.
Previous Charges and Rejections
Four people have already been indicted concerning the theft - three male and one female suspects, who similarly reside within the Paris region.
One female, aged 38 was charged earlier this month with complicity in organised theft and criminal conspiracy aimed at perpetrating an offense.
In a distinct case, one male suspect, 37 years old, was indicted for stealing and conspiratorial activities.
These two suspects, who have not had their identities disclosed, have rejected all accusations.
The Method of the Robbery Took Place
The theft took place when the quartet of male perpetrators utilized a stolen mechanical lift attached to a vehicle to gain access to the Apollo Gallery through a terrace adjacent to the Seine.
The perpetrators employed a cutting disc to break into showcases containing the jewelry.
The perpetrators stayed inside for four minutes and executed their getaway on a pair of scooters waiting outside at 09:38, before changing to vehicles.
One taken artifact - a royal crown - was dropped during the escape but eight additional pieces of jewellery - including an emerald-and-diamond necklace that Emperor Napoleon presented to his empress, the Empress Marie-Louise - were taken.
Safeguarding Deficiencies and Consequences
Officials have revealed that the robbery was executed by minor lawbreakers rather than experienced crime syndicates.
Shortly after the theft, it was disclosed by the museum's director that the sole surveillance camera monitoring the Galerie d'Apollon was directed away from the terrace used by the perpetrators to break in.
The museum's president has subsequently acknowledged that the establishment had not fulfilled in its responsibilities, but disputed allegations of security being ignored - saying that from the beginning of her tenure in 2021 she had been repeatedly cautioning of the requirement for additional resources.
Strengthened Protective Steps
In the wake of the robbery, safeguarding procedures have been enhanced at France's cultural institutions.
The Louvre has transferred some of its most precious jewels to the French central bank following the heist.