French police have announced the arrest of five more individuals in connection with the audacious jewel theft at the Louvre Museum. Among those detained is a suspect believed to have been directly involved in the break-in, Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau confirmed on Thursday.
During an interview with a French radio station, Prosecutor Beccuau revealed that forensic evidence, including DNA, directly links one of the arrested suspects to the crime scene. The other four detainees are believed to hold crucial information that could shed light on how the events unfolded, she added.
These latest arrests occurred Wednesday evening following extensive operations conducted across the wider Paris region. Despite this progress, Ms. Beccuau noted with concern that the stolen jewelry has yet to be recovered.
The initial break-in, which shocked the world, took place over a week ago when two perpetrators breached a second-floor window of the Louvre’s prestigious Apollo Gallery using powerful disc grinders. They then made off with several of France’s crown jewels, valued at over $100 million, before making their escape on high-powered motor scooters driven by two waiting accomplices.
Just four days prior to these new arrests, two other individuals had been taken into custody. One of them was apprehended at Charles de Gaulle airport while allegedly attempting to board a flight to Algeria. Both men now face charges of theft by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy. Investigators allege that these two suspects were responsible for operating the electric ladder that allowed access to the gallery’s balcony from the street, and for cutting open the display cases inside before their swift getaway on scooters.
Prosecutor Beccuau emphasized the extensive efforts of the investigative team, comprising approximately 100 officers, who employed a diverse array of techniques to pursue the culprits. The thieves notably managed to evade capture, escaping less than a minute before the arrival of police and security personnel at the scene.
“Our investigation systematically began with collecting DNA traces, fingerprints, and all other available evidence from the crime scene,” Beccuau explained. “Following this, we meticulously analyzed video surveillance footage, scrutinized phone records, and uncovered additional crucial items during subsequent searches. Piece by piece, the investigation is coming together, and the net is tightening around everyone who might be involved.”