🔗 Share this article

Another four individuals were taken into custody in the context of the active inquiry into the last month's heist of precious gems at the Paris Louvre, as stated by the Parisian legal officials.

Details of the Newest Arrests

Two male suspects, 38 and 39 years old, and a duo of females, in their early thirties and forties, were arrested on Tuesday. They all reside in the Paris region.

Among them is believed to be the last participant of a group of four that reportedly executed the daytime theft, per local news outlets. The additional three accused perpetrators have already been arrested and indicted, authorities state.

Investigators currently possess up to 96 hours to interrogate the suspects. No trace has so far been found of the pilfered gems - appraised at eighty-eight million euros - which disappeared on the nineteenth of October.

Earlier Accusations and Disavowals

A group of four have already been indicted in relation to the robbery - three men and a woman, who similarly reside within the Parisian area.

One female, aged 38 was charged earlier this month with complicity in organised theft and illegal conspiracy aimed at perpetrating an offense.

Separately, a 37-year-old male, was charged with stealing and conspiratorial activities.

These two suspects, who have not been named publicly, have denied any involvement.

The Way the Theft Was Carried Out

The heist happened when the group of four men used a stolen vehicle-mounted mechanical lift to gain access to the Galerie d'Apollon through a terrace close to the River Seine.

The perpetrators employed a circular saw to crack open showcases which held the precious items.

The thieves were inside for a mere four minutes and fled the scene on two scooters stationed outside at 09:38 in the morning, before switching to cars.

One of the stolen items - a royal crown - was dropped during the escape but eight more objects of jewellery - including an emerald-and-diamond necklace that was gifted by Napoleon I his second wife, the Empress Marie-Louise - were stolen.

Protective Shortcomings and Fallout

Authorities have indicated that the robbery was executed by minor lawbreakers 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 watching the Apollo Gallery was facing opposite the balcony the thieves climbed over to break in.

The museum's president has subsequently acknowledged that the establishment had not fulfilled in its duties, but rejected claims that security was neglected - emphasizing that from the time she took office in two thousand twenty-one she had been repeatedly cautioning of the need for more investment.

Strengthened Safeguarding Protocols

Following the event, protective protocols have been strengthened for the nation's cultural landmarks.

The Louvre has transferred a selection of its most valuable gems to the Bank of France following the heist.