Police have apprehended five additional individuals in connection with the theft of crown jewels from the prestigious Louvre Museum. Despite these arrests, the stolen treasures have yet to be recovered.
According to Prosecutor Laure Beccuau, law enforcement conducted operations in Paris and its environs to capture the five suspects on Wednesday evening. The identities of these individuals have not been disclosed at this time.
One of the arrested suspects is believed to have been part of the group of thieves who carried out the brazen robbery at the Louvre on October 19. Two other alleged accomplices were taken into custody earlier and are facing charges related to criminal conspiracy and organized theft. Both individuals have reportedly confessed to their involvement.
Although the investigation has been swiftly progressing, the missing jewels remain elusive. Prosecutor Beccuau stated that recent searches failed to locate the stolen items.
The heist, which lasted less than eight minutes, resulted in the theft of jewels valued at around £78 million. The perpetrators entered through a window, used power tools to access display cases, and escaped with eight pieces of the French crown jewels.
Among those charged is a 34-year-old Algerian national residing in France since 2010. He was arrested at the airport while attempting to board a flight to Algeria without a return ticket. Authorities discovered his DNA on a scooter used during the escape.
Another suspect, aged 39, was apprehended at his residence in Aubervilliers. Known for previous theft offenses, his DNA was found on the glass cases where the jewels were taken and on items left at the crime scene.
Surveillance footage revealed that at least four individuals were involved in the heist. The group arrived in a truck equipped with a lift, enabling two members to access the museum through a window.
The criminals fled on two scooters along the Seine River towards eastern Paris, where additional vehicles were waiting. Prosecutor Beccuau emphasized that there is no evidence suggesting inside help from museum staff.
In a plea to the public, Beccuau urged anyone in possession of the stolen jewels to return them, emphasizing that the items are unsellable and purchasing them would constitute receiving stolen goods.
