The robbers reached a first-floor window and cut through glass panes to gain access to the gold-gilded Apollon Wing. Image credit: Getty Images
(The Post News)- An important development occurred in the investigation. This is related to the theft of imperial jewels from the Louvre museum last month. French officials arrested four people in the Paris area.
Two men, ages 38 and 39, and two women, ages 31 and 40, were taken into custody. This information comes from Arrests Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau. Four other people were charged previously. Now, these detentions raise the total number of suspects involved in the case to eight.
The prosecution claims that all of the recently detained individuals are from the Paris area. Investigators are currently questioning these people about their involvement in the organized gang. The gang carried out the raid. However, specific charges against them have not yet been made public.
The Investigation So Far
Four individuals who had previously been charged with organized robbery and complicity provided evidence that led to these arrests.
- Forensic Discovery: Investigators found DNA evidence on the cherry-picker lift. The lift was used to scale the museum walls. This discovery allowed them to track down the group.
- The Suspects: One of the female suspects is in a relationship with one of the males who was previously charged. He is a 37-year-old with 11 prior convictions. His convictions are primarily for stealing. Police were also aware of two additional males who lived in the Aubervilliers district and had a history of thievery.
The bold October 19 robbery is the reason for the arrests. Robbers stormed the museum’s Apollo Gallery during the day. The group broke into display cases using angle grinders. They utilized a moving truck and ladder to access a window. Then they left on scooters in a mere seven-minute operation.
The robbers took a diamond and sapphire set worn by Queen Marie-Amélie. It was among the items estimated to be worth $102 million. But in making their getaway, they dropped Empress Eugenie’s emerald-studded crown.
The stolen jewels are still unaccounted for despite the arrests. Swift police intervention has generated confidence that the treasures may still be intact. However, experts fear the pieces may be disassembled or burned down to avoid detection.
The investigation continues as detectives attempt to locate the valuables and identify any remaining accomplices.
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