🔗 Share this article

Another four individuals were taken into custody in the context of the ongoing investigation into the recent heist of precious jewellery at the Paris Louvre, per reports from the Paris prosecutor's office.

Particulars of the Newest Detentions

A pair of males, in their late thirties, and two female individuals, aged 31 and 40, faced apprehension earlier this week. They all reside in the Île-de-France region.

One of those detained is considered as the last participant of a quartet of thieves that is said to have performed the daylight heist, according to media sources in France. The remaining trio alleged robbers have already been arrested and charged, officials say.

Law enforcement has been granted up to 96 hours to question them. No trace has to date been discovered of the pilfered gems - appraised at €88m (£76m; $102m) - which disappeared on the nineteenth of October.

Previous Accusations and Rejections

A group of four have previously faced charges concerning the theft - a trio of males and one female, who also live in the greater Paris.

A woman in her late thirties was charged earlier this month with complicity in organised theft and illegal conspiracy with a view to committing a crime.

In a distinct case, a man, aged 37, was indicted for stealing and conspiratorial activities.

These two suspects, who remain unnamed in public records, have rejected all accusations.

The Method of the Robbery Took Place

The theft took place when the team of four individuals utilized a stolen mechanical lift attached to a vehicle to enter the Apollo Gallery by means of a balcony close to the River Seine.

The men used a circular saw to break into showcases housing the jewellery.

The robbers remained within for a mere four minutes and fled the scene on two scooters positioned externally at 9:38 AM, before switching to cars.

One taken artifact - a royal crown - was fallen in the flight but eight more objects of jewellery - such as a necklace with emeralds and diamonds that was gifted by Napoleon I his second spouse, Marie-Louise of Austria - were taken.

Safeguarding Failures and Fallout

Authorities have indicated that the robbery was executed by small-time offenders instead of sophisticated criminal organizations.

Soon following the robbery, it was disclosed by the museum's director that the sole surveillance camera observing the Galerie d'Apollon was facing opposite the terrace used by the perpetrators to commit the burglary.

The museum's president has since admitted that the institution had fallen short in its responsibilities, but disputed allegations of security being ignored - emphasizing that from the beginning of her tenure in two thousand twenty-one she had been consistently alerting of the requirement for additional resources.

Improved Safeguarding Protocols

Following the event, safeguarding procedures 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 after the theft.