Another Four Apprehensions Carried Out in Relation to Paris Louvre Museum Precious Gems Theft

A further quartet of persons have been detained as part of the active inquiry into the previous theft of precious jewellery at the famous Paris museum, according to the French judicial authorities.

Specifics of the Newest Apprehensions

A pair of males, aged 38 and 39, and a duo of females, aged 31 and 40, were taken into custody this Tuesday. Each hails from the Paris region.

Among them is thought to be the final member of a four-man gang that is said to have performed the daytime theft, as reported by French media. The remaining trio suspected thieves were previously detained and formally accused, authorities state.

Police now have as much as 96 hours to conduct interviews. Not a single clue has so far been found of the pilfered gems - worth an estimated €88m (£76m; $102m) - which were stolen on October 19th.

Previous Charges and Rejections

Four people have already been charged in relation to the robbery - a trio of males and one female, who similarly reside within the greater Paris.

One female, aged 38 was charged earlier this month with aiding organized theft and criminal conspiracy aimed at perpetrating an offense.

Additionally, a man, aged 37, was accused of theft and criminal conspiracy.

These two suspects, who have not been named publicly, have rejected all accusations.

The Way the Theft Took Place

The heist happened when the quartet of male perpetrators used a stolen vehicle-mounted mechanical lift to breach the Apollo Gallery through a terrace close to the River Seine.

The men used a cutting disc to break into showcases housing the jewellery.

The thieves were inside for just 240 seconds and made their escape on two scooters waiting outside at 9:38 AM, before switching to cars.

A single pilfered object - a royal crown - was dropped during the escape but eight more objects of precious ornaments - featuring an emerald and diamond necklace that Napoleon I gave his second wife, the Empress Marie-Louise - were stolen.

Security Shortcomings and Aftermath

Officials have revealed that the theft was performed by petty criminals rather than experienced crime syndicates.

Shortly after the theft, it was disclosed by the museum's director that the sole surveillance camera watching the Apollo Gallery was directed away from the terrace used by the perpetrators to gain entry.

Louvre leadership has subsequently acknowledged that the establishment had not fulfilled in its obligations, but disputed allegations of security being ignored - stating that from the beginning of her tenure in 2021 she had been warning constantly of the need for more investment.

Improved Safeguarding Protocols

Since the incident, security measures have been tightened around French heritage sites.

The Louvre has transferred a selection of its most valuable gems to the Bank of France in the aftermath of the robbery.