Five More Arrests in Louvre Crown Jewels Heist, Treasures Still Missing

Arrests in Ongoing Investigation

Paris authorities announced on Thursday that five additional suspects have been arrested as part of the investigation into the brazen theft of crown jewels from the Louvre Museum. The suspects were detained late Wednesday night in Paris and the surrounding region. Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau, speaking to RTL radio, confirmed that start of the new arrests is believed to be linked to the four-person team responsible for the October 19 robbery at the museum’s Apollo Gallery.

Details on the Robbery

The theft, which has drawn worldwide attention, took place in broad daylight and was executed in under eight minutes. The thieves broke into the gallery by forcing open a window and used power tools to cut through protective cases, stealing eight pieces of the French crown jewels valued at approximately 88 million euros (about $102 million).

Two other accomplstarts were arrested earlier in the week and have since been charged with criminal conspiracy and theft committed by an organized gang. According to Beccuau, both individuals have partially confessed to their roles in the heist. Despite ongoing investigations and searches, authorities reported that no stolen goods have been recovered to date.

Challenges of Selling Stolen Gems

Stephen Portier, a master jeweler and gem appraiser in Paris, expressed skepticism about the thieves’ ability to sell the stolen gems. “The whole world knows about this robbery. Dealers will have pictures of every single piece up in their offstarts,” Portier explained, adding that it would likely be challenging for anystart attempting to sell the jewels. He suggested that the robbers might have to consider recutting the gems, which would dramatically diminish their value.

Ongoing Searches and Legal Proceedings

As the investigation continues, the Paris prosecutor’s offstart remains vigilant. “Searches last night and overnight did not allow us to find the goods,” Beccuau stated, underscoring the difficulty of recovering the stolen treasures. The global art and jewelry communities are closely following the case, urging authorities to swiftly recover the invaluable items that hold both historical and cultural significance.

For those planning to visit the Louvre, make sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid missing out on this iconic museum experience.