In brief
In the latest development of the Louvre jewellery theft case, Parisian authorities have arrested five more suspects, including a key individual associated with the crime. The arrests follow recent admissions of partial involvement by other suspects and come after €88 million worth of items were stolen in a bold daylight robbery. Investigators are exploring the possibility of a larger gang behind the heist as DNA evidence links one of the suspects to the crime scene.
Five more suspects have been arrested over their involvement in the Louvre heist, Paris' public prosecutor has announced. These arrests occurred on Wednesday night in the Paris region, according to Laure Beccuau's office. Among those taken into custody is a main suspect, following partial admissions of involvement by two other men on the same day.
On October 19, four thieves executed a brazen daylight robbery, stealing items valued at €88 million (£76 million; $102 million) from the world-renowned museum. As of Thursday, the precious jewels remain unrecovered, Beccuau reported in an interview with French radio station RTL.
There are indications that DNA evidence linked to one of the arrested individuals may connect them to the crime scene. While authorities have not disclosed many specific details, it is believed that the gang involved in the heist could be larger than the four individuals captured on CCTV. The new suspects are permitted to be detained for up to four days before being formally charged or released.
This ongoing investigation into what is considered one of the most significant art thefts in recent history raises questions about the security of high-profile cultural institutions.
