🔗 Share this article

Four additional persons were taken into custody within the framework of the active inquiry into the last month's theft of valuable jewellery at the Louvre Museum, according to the Parisian legal officials.

Particulars of the Newest Detentions

Two men, 38 and 39 years old, and a duo of females, in their early thirties and forties, were arrested on Tuesday. Each hails from the Île-de-France region.

One of those detained is considered as the last participant of a four-man gang that reportedly executed the daylight heist, per media sources in France. The remaining trio suspected thieves are already in custody and indicted, officials say.

Police now have as much as 96 hours to interrogate the suspects. Not a single clue has to date been discovered of the pilfered gems - appraised at €88m (£76m; $102m) - which were taken on 19 October.

Prior Charges and Disavowals

A group of four have already been charged in relation to the robbery - three male and one female suspects, who similarly reside within the Parisian area.

A 38-year-old woman was formally accused earlier in the month with involvement in organized robbery and conspiracy to commit crimes aimed at perpetrating an offense.

Additionally, a 37-year-old male, was indicted for stealing and conspiratorial activities.

Both of these individuals, who remain unnamed in public records, have disavowed any participation.

How the Heist Was Carried Out

The robbery occurred when the quartet of male perpetrators utilized a stolen mechanical lift attached to a vehicle to gain access to the Galerie d'Apollon by means of a balcony close to the River Seine.

The men used a cutting disc to force open exhibition cases containing the jewelry.

The perpetrators stayed inside for just 240 seconds and fled the scene on a pair of scooters stationed outside at 09:38, before switching to cars.

A single pilfered object - a royal crown - was fallen in the flight but eight additional pieces of precious ornaments - including an emerald-and-diamond necklace that Napoleon I gave his empress, Marie-Louise of Austria - were appropriated.

Protective Failures and Fallout

It has been stated that the robbery was executed by small-time offenders instead of experienced crime syndicates.

Shortly after the theft, it was disclosed by the museum's director that the sole surveillance camera watching the Apollo Gallery was facing opposite the terrace used by the perpetrators to break in.

Louvre leadership has since admitted that the establishment had not fulfilled in its responsibilities, but rejected claims that security was neglected - stating that from the moment of her appointment in two thousand twenty-one she had been repeatedly cautioning of the necessity of increased funding.

Improved Security Measures

In the wake of the robbery, protective protocols have been tightened around France's cultural institutions.

The Louvre has transferred some of its most precious jewels to the French central bank after the theft.