Four Apprehensions Executed in Link to Louvre Jewellery Robbery
Four additional suspects have been detained within the framework of the ongoing investigation into the previous robbery of priceless jewellery at the Louvre Museum, per reports from the Parisian legal officials.
Details of the Most Recent Detentions
Two male suspects, in their late thirties, and a duo of females, in their early thirties and forties, faced apprehension earlier this week. They all reside in the Paris region.
Among them is believed to be the final member of a group of four that is said to have performed the broad-daylight robbery, according to local news outlets. The remaining trio suspected thieves were previously detained and indicted, according to officials.
Police now have a maximum of four days to interrogate the suspects. Not a single clue has yet been uncovered of the stolen jewels - valued at €88m (£76m; $102m) - which were taken on 19 October.
Earlier Accusations and Rejections
Four individuals have already been indicted over the heist - three men and a woman, who also live in the Parisian area.
A 38-year-old woman was indicted in recent weeks with complicity in organised theft and illegal conspiracy with a view to committing a crime.
Additionally, a 37-year-old male, was charged with theft and criminal conspiracy.
Both of these individuals, who have not had their identities disclosed, have denied any involvement.
The Method of the Robbery Was Carried Out
The theft took place when the team of four individuals used a stolen vehicle-mounted mechanical lift to gain access to the Apollo Gallery through a terrace near the Seine River.
The men used a cutting disc to crack open showcases housing the jewellery.
The perpetrators stayed inside for a mere four minutes and made their escape on two motor scooters waiting outside at 9:38 AM, before changing to vehicles.
One of the stolen items - a royal crown - was fallen in the flight but eight additional pieces of jewelry - such as a necklace with emeralds and diamonds that Napoleon I gave his second wife, Marie-Louise of Austria - were appropriated.
Security Deficiencies and Aftermath
Authorities have indicated that the robbery was executed by small-time offenders as opposed to experienced crime syndicates.
Shortly after the theft, it was announced by the Louvre leadership that the single monitoring device observing the Galerie d'Apollon was facing opposite the balcony scaled by the robbers to break in.
The president of the Louvre has since admitted that the establishment had not fulfilled in its duties, but rejected claims that security was neglected - emphasizing that from the moment of her appointment in 2021 she had been warning constantly of the requirement for additional resources.
Improved Safeguarding Protocols
Since the incident, security measures have been strengthened for France's cultural institutions.
The museum has moved a selection of its most valuable gems to the French central bank following the heist.
