🔗 Share this article

Four additional persons have been detained in the context of the ongoing investigation into the last month's heist of priceless jewelry at the Paris Louvre, as stated by the Paris prosecutor's office.

Details of the Most Recent Detentions

Two male suspects, in their late thirties, and two female individuals, 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 quartet of thieves that is said to have performed the broad-daylight robbery, per local news outlets. The additional three accused perpetrators were previously detained and indicted, according to officials.

Police now have a maximum of four days to interrogate the suspects. No trace has so far been found of the taken jewelry - worth an estimated 88 million euros (76 million pounds; 102 million dollars) - which were taken on 19 October.

Earlier Accusations and Denials

Four individuals have already been charged over the heist - three male and one female suspects, who are likewise residents of the greater Paris.

A woman in her late thirties was indicted in recent weeks with involvement in organized robbery and criminal conspiracy with a view to committing a crime.

Separately, a man, aged 37, was charged with theft and criminal conspiracy.

Both of these individuals, who have not had their identities disclosed, have denied any involvement.

How the Heist Took Place

The robbery occurred when the group of four men utilized a stolen mechanical lift attached to a vehicle to enter the Galerie d'Apollon (Gallery of Apollo) via a balcony near the Seine River.

The men used a disc cutter to crack open exhibition cases which held the precious items.

The thieves were inside for just 240 seconds and made their escape on two motor scooters waiting outside at 09:38 in the morning, before transferring to automobiles.

One taken artifact - a crown - was fallen in the flight but eight additional pieces of precious ornaments - featuring an emerald and diamond necklace that Emperor Napoleon presented to his second wife, Marie-Louise of Austria - were stolen.

Protective Failures and Fallout

It has been stated that the theft was performed by minor lawbreakers instead of sophisticated criminal organizations.

In the immediate aftermath of the heist, it was disclosed by the museum's director that the only camera observing the Galerie d'Apollon was directed away from the balcony scaled by the robbers to gain entry.

The president of the Louvre has since admitted that the institution had fallen short in its responsibilities, but disputed allegations of security being ignored - emphasizing that from the moment of her appointment in the year 2021 she had been warning constantly of the need for more investment.

Strengthened Security Measures

Since the incident, safeguarding procedures have been tightened around the nation's cultural landmarks.

Officials have relocated a selection of its most valuable gems to the Bank of France after the theft.