Four Detentions Carried Out in Connection to Paris Louvre Museum Precious Gems Robbery

A further quartet of suspects have been detained within the framework of the active inquiry into the previous theft of priceless gems at the famous Paris museum, according to the Paris prosecutor's office.

Particulars of the Latest Detentions

A pair of males, 38 and 39 years old, and two women, in their early thirties and forties, faced apprehension earlier this week. All are from the Paris region.

Included in this group is believed to be the last participant of a four-man gang that allegedly carried out the daytime theft, as reported by local news outlets. The other three accused perpetrators were previously detained and formally accused, officials say.

Law enforcement has been granted up to 96 hours to conduct interviews. Zero evidence has to date been discovered of the stolen jewels - appraised at €88m (£76m; $102m) - which were taken on 19 October.

Previous Charges and Rejections

Four individuals have previously faced charges over the heist - three men and a woman, who are likewise residents of the greater Paris.

One female, aged 38 was formally accused earlier in the month with involvement in organized robbery and criminal conspiracy aimed at perpetrating an offense.

In a distinct case, one male suspect, 37 years old, was charged with theft and criminal conspiracy.

These two suspects, who have not had their identities disclosed, have disavowed any participation.

The Method of the Robbery Was Executed

The robbery occurred when the group of four men employed a hijacked vehicle with a mounted lift to enter the Galerie d'Apollon by means of a balcony near the Seine River.

The perpetrators employed a cutting disc to force open display cases which held the precious items.

The robbers remained within for just 240 seconds and made their escape on two motor scooters waiting outside at 09:38, before switching to cars.

One of the stolen items - a royal crown - was fallen in the flight but eight additional pieces of jewellery - including an emerald-and-diamond necklace that Emperor Napoleon presented to his empress, Empress Marie-Louise - were taken.

Safeguarding Deficiencies and Aftermath

Officials have revealed that the robbery was executed by small-time offenders as opposed to organised crime professionals.

Soon following the robbery, it was announced by the Louvre leadership that the only camera monitoring the Galerie d'Apollon was directed away from 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 rejected claims that security was neglected - saying that from the beginning of her tenure in 2021 she had been repeatedly cautioning of the requirement for additional resources.

Improved Security Measures

Since the incident, safeguarding procedures have been enhanced at French heritage sites.

The museum has moved some of its most precious jewels to the national bank following the heist.

Michael Robinson
Michael Robinson

Zkušená novinářka se specializací na politické a ekonomické zpravodajství, píšící pro přední česká média.