French investigators announced Thursday that five additional suspects have been apprehended concerning the audacious daytime theft from the Louvre Museum, even though the invaluable artifacts remain unrecovered.
Police conducted the arrests in distinct operations across France, including the Seine-Saint-Denis region, prosecutor Laure Beccuau informed RTL radio. The identities of those detained have not been disclosed.
One of the newly arrested individuals is believed to be a part of the four-person team that stormed the Louvre’s Apollo Gallery in broad daylight on Oct. 19, making off with jewels valued at 88 million euros ($102 million) in under eight minutes.
Beccuau stated, “Searches conducted last night and overnight did not result in the discovery of the items.”
Two other members of the group were taken into custody Sunday and subsequently faced preliminary charges Wednesday of criminal conspiracy and other offenses. Beccuau mentioned that both have partially acknowledged their involvement in the heist.
A 34-year-old Algerian national, who has lived in France since 2010, was apprehended at Charles de Gaulle Airport as he attempted to flee to Algeria on a one-way ticket. He resided in Aubervilliers, a northern suburb of Paris, and was previously known to police for traffic violations. His DNA was recovered from a scooter utilized in the escape.
The second suspect, aged 39, was arrested at his home, also in Aubervilliers. He was known to law enforcement for several prior thefts. Investigators linked his DNA to a glass display case that housed the stolen jewels, as well as to items the thieves left behind, the prosecutor added.
The perpetrators employed a basket lift to scale the museum’s exterior, forced open a window, and used cutting tools to breach display cases in the Apollo Gallery. They absconded with eight historical pieces, including:
– A sapphire diadem, necklace, and earring set associated with Queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense
– An emerald necklace and earrings once belonging to Empress Marie-Louise, Napoleon’s second wife
– A reliquary brooch
– Empress Eugénie’s diamond diadem and an elaborate corsage-bow brooch
Eugénie’s emerald-encrusted crown – adorned with over 1,300 diamonds – was later found damaged but salvageable outside the museum.
Museum authorities acknowledged a “significant failure” in security. However, Beccuau indicated there is no evidence suggesting the theft was an inside job.
In a direct plea to those holding the missing jewels, Beccuau warned Wednesday night that they are “unsellable” due to their historical importance and urged their return.
“Anyone who purchases them would be guilty of concealing stolen property,” she declared. “There is still an opportunity to return them.”
Digital’s Anders Hagstrom, along with