Four Apprehensions Executed in Link to Paris Louvre Museum Precious Gems Theft
Four additional persons are now under arrest within the framework of the active inquiry into the recent theft of priceless gems at the famous Paris museum, as stated by the French judicial authorities.
Details of the Most Recent Apprehensions
A pair of males, 38 and 39 years old, and two women, in their early thirties and forties, were arrested on Tuesday. All are from the Île-de-France region.
Among them is considered as the remaining individual of a group of four that allegedly carried out the broad-daylight robbery, according to local news outlets. The other three suspected thieves 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 so far been found of the stolen jewels - valued at €88m (£76m; $102m) - which were taken on 19 October.
Earlier Charges and Rejections
Four people have previously faced charges in relation to the robbery - three male and one female suspects, who also live in the Paris region.
A woman in her late thirties was indicted in recent weeks with complicity in organised theft and illegal conspiracy intended to carry out unlawful acts.
In a distinct case, one male suspect, 37 years old, was charged with stealing and conspiratorial activities.
Both of these individuals, who have not been named publicly, have rejected all accusations.
The Way the Theft Was Carried Out
The theft took place when the team of four individuals employed a hijacked vehicle with a mounted lift to breach the Apollo Gallery by means of a balcony near the Seine River.
The perpetrators employed a cutting disc to break into showcases housing the jewellery.
The robbers remained within for just 240 seconds and fled the scene on a pair of scooters stationed outside at 09:38, before transferring to automobiles.
One of the stolen items - a crown - was fallen in the flight but eight other items of jewellery - including an emerald-and-diamond necklace that was gifted by Napoleon I his empress, the Empress Marie-Louise - were taken.
Safeguarding Shortcomings and Aftermath
It has been stated that the theft was performed by petty criminals rather than sophisticated criminal organizations.
Soon following the robbery, it was disclosed by the museum's director that the sole surveillance camera watching the Apollo Gallery was facing opposite the balcony the thieves climbed over to commit the burglary.
The museum's president has subsequently acknowledged that the museum had failed in its obligations, but disputed allegations of security being ignored - emphasizing that from the moment of her appointment in the year 2021 she had been consistently alerting of the requirement for additional resources.
Enhanced Security Measures
Since the incident, protective protocols have been tightened around French heritage sites.
The Louvre has transferred some of its most precious jewels to the Bank of France following the heist.
