In a significant development following the brazen jewellery theft at the Louvre, five more suspects have been apprehended in the Paris region. Authorities confirmed the arrests were made during coordinated raids on Wednesday night, as part of the ongoing investigation into the audacious heist that saw priceless crown jewels stolen.
One of the individuals taken into custody is believed to be directly involved in the robbery itself, potentially being part of the four-man team captured on CCTV during the incident. This latest operation builds on earlier arrests, with two suspects already having “partially recognised” their involvement in the crime. The whereabouts of a fourth suspect remain unknown.
While the specific roles of the newly arrested individuals are still being determined, officials noted that they could provide crucial insights into the planning and execution of the theft. Investigators are currently examining mobile phones and other items seized during the raids, hoping to uncover encrypted communications that might shed light on the operation.
The arrests were carried out in various locations across Paris and its surrounding suburbs, including Seine-Saint-Denis. The suspects are being held under judicial detention and can be held for up to four days before facing charges or being released, pending further investigation.
Authorities have previously suggested that the network behind the heist may be larger than initially thought, potentially involving individuals who facilitated the crime in ways beyond direct participation. While no evidence points to an inside job at the museum itself, the investigation continues to explore all avenues.
The theft, which occurred on October 19th, saw eight items, including the famed Marie-Louise necklace and earrings, stolen from the Louvre’s Gallery of Apollo. The estimated value of the stolen jewels is approximately €88 million (£76 million; $102 million). The precious items have yet to be recovered, and fears remain that they may have been dismantled for their components.
The incident has prompted a review of security measures at cultural institutions across France, with the Louvre itself facing scrutiny after reports revealed that a key camera in the Gallery of Apollo was not monitoring the balcony used by the thieves. In response to the heightened security concerns, some of the Louvre’s most valuable jewels have been temporarily relocated to the highly secure vault of the Bank of France.