French authorities have arrested five more people linked to the Louvre jewel theft, deepening an ongoing investigation into one of France’s most daring museum robberies. The arrests come as police continue to search for royal treasures worth over $102 million, stolen from the Louvre Museum’s iconic Apollo Gallery earlier this month.
According to Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau, the arrests were made during coordinated raids across Paris and its northern suburbs on Wednesday evening. One suspect was identified through DNA evidence left at the scene, though officials have not confirmed if all five played a direct role in the heist.
The Louvre jewel theft, carried out on October 19, involved four masked individuals who escaped with priceless artifacts in broad daylight. The robbers exploited security lapses during the museum’s opening hours, completing their mission within minutes before disappearing without a trace.
A Heist That Shook France
Authorities believe the operation may have involved a wider criminal network. Investigators are now analyzing encrypted messages recovered from the suspects’ phones to trace additional links. Meanwhile, a specialized police unit focusing on cultural property crimes is combing the black market for any trace of the missing jewels.
Experts warn that recovering the treasures may prove harder than catching the thieves. The stolen collection included royal necklaces, tiaras, and earrings encrusted with diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. These could be dismantled and sold in parts to hide their origin.
Prosecutor Beccuau urged those in possession of the stolen items to surrender them voluntarily. “The courts would obviously take into account the fact that no loss was caused by this burglary,” she stated.
Partial Confessions and Ongoing Hunt
Earlier, two men arrested over the weekend partially admitted involvement. One suspect, a 34-year-old Algerian national, was detained at the airport while attempting to flee to Algeria. The second, aged 39, was already under judicial supervision for a previous theft.
The museum’s delayed camera response has raised concerns about its security systems. Following the incident, several precious items were discreetly transferred to the Bank of France for safekeeping.
As investigations continue, authorities remain determined to recover the missing jewels and bring all those responsible for the Louvre jewel theft to justice.
In other news also read about Suspects Arrested Over Brazen Jewel Theft from Paris’ Louvre Museum
