Paris Police Intensify Search for Louvre Robbers
PARIS (AP) — The dragnet for the thieves responsible for the Louvre heist intensified on Thursday, with authorities arresting five additional suspects, including one linked by DNA evidence, according to the Paris prosecutor. This broadening of the investigation now extends throughout the capital and surrounding areas.
Details of the Arrests
Currently, three of the four accused members of the so-called “commando” team are in custody. The recent late-night operations in Paris and the nearby Seine-Saint-Denis region have raised the total number of arrests to seven. Prosecutor Laure Beccuau indicated that one of the detainees may have been part of the daylight raid at the Apollo Gallery, while others could provide insight into the heist’s execution.
Investigative Efforts and Evidence Collection
Beccuau described the police response as an “exceptional mobilization,” with around 100 investigators working daily. Efforts have led to the analysis of approximately 150 forensic samples and the sealing of 189 items as evidence.
The Missing Loot
However, despite the arrests, the stolen treasure, estimated at $102 million, remains missing. This cache includes priceless items such as a necklace given by Napoleon to Empress Marie-Louise, and jewels linked to historical figures like Queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense. So far, only one piece of jewelry, Empress Eugénie’s crown—damaged but recoverable—has been found.
Planning and Execution of the Heist
The planning details of the crime have emerged, revealing that a mover’s lift truck was stolen shortly before the heist. On the day of the robbery, the same vehicle was seen idling outside the museum, allowing the thieves to gain access quickly. The heist itself lasted just four minutes, during which at least four men used tools to break in and access the jewels before making their getaway on scooters.
Concerns Over Security Flaws
The brazen theft has raised questions about the Louvre’s security measures, with police acknowledging significant vulnerabilities. Notably, the first alert to the authorities came from a passerby rather than the museum’s security systems. Paris police chief Patrice Faure mentioned that aging surveillance cameras and a backlog of upgrades have exposed gaps in protection, prompting national concern about safeguarding cultural treasures.
Progress in Investigation
In the ongoing investigation, two earlier suspects, aged 34 and 39, have been charged with theft and conspiracy following almost four days in detention. They provided limited statements during questioning, with one suspected of attempting to flee to Algeria, his DNA found on a getaway scooter. The shocking theft has left a mark on the cultural heritage sector, highlighting the need for improved security for France’s historical assets.
