Five more suspects have been arrested over their involvement in the Louvre heist, Paris' public prosecutor has announced. Detained during coordinated raids in the Paris region, these arrests come as part of an ongoing investigation into the audacious theft that took place earlier this month.
Among the newly arrested is a suspect believed to be part of the four-man team seen on CCTV during the heist. Earlier, two alleged thieves were apprehended, both of whom have reportedly 'partially recognised' their involvement in the crime, while a fourth member remains at large.
The roles of the new suspects in the theft are still unclear, but Laure Beccuau from the Paris prosecutor's office indicated on French radio that they might provide crucial insights regarding the theft and the modus operandi of the group.
The arrests made were primarily in western suburbs of Paris, including Seine-Saint-Denis. During the raids, investigators discovered phones and other materials that may contain encrypted messages, which are now under examination.
The suspects can be held for up to four days prior to formal charges or release. Possible connections between the arrested individuals and the crime scene have also been hinted at, with one suspect's DNA thought to match samples taken from the scene.
The heist itself, which occurred on October 19, was executed during daylight hours when the thieves gained access to the museum using a mechanical lift. Elements of the case suggest the involvement of a larger network than just those who physically carried out the theft.
Authorities have highlighted the ongoing challenges in securing the museum, with prior security failures noted, such as inadequate camera coverage. As a precaution, the Louvre has subsequently moved its most valuable treasures to a highly secure vault managed by the Bank of France.
