Louvre Heist Deepens: Five More Suspects Seized In Jewel Raid

Louvre Heist Deepens: Five More Suspects Seized In €88m Jewel Raid
 

French police have arrested five more suspects, including a key figure, in connection with the audacious €88 million jewel heist at the Louvre, prosecutors confirmed Thursday.

The arrests, made overnight in the Paris region, mark a major breakthrough in the investigation into what’s being called one of the boldest museum robberies in modern French history.

Prosecutor Laure Beccuau said DNA evidence links at least one suspect to the crime scene, with AFP reporting that the man is believed to be part of the four-person team that stormed the Louvre’s Apollon Gallery on October 19. The group used a stolen vehicle-mounted lift and power tools to access the balcony, smash open display cases, and flee within four minutes — all captured on CCTV.

Authorities believe the criminal network behind the heist is larger than those who physically carried out the robbery. Two men in their thirties were arrested last week — one caught trying to board a one-way flight to Algeria. Both have criminal records and reportedly confessed to partial involvement.

No museum staff are suspected of complicity, Beccuau confirmed. No violence was used during the theft, but the stolen French crown jewels — valued at over $100 million — remain missing.

In response, the Louvre has moved its remaining treasures to the Bank of France’s underground vault, tightening security at cultural institutions nationwide.

Key Takeaways:

• Five new arrests made in €88m Louvre jewel heist; main suspect among them.

• DNA evidence links one man directly to the crime scene.

• French crown jewels remain missing as authorities widen investigation.

Original Source: BBC