Robbery at the Louvre: Additional Suspects Arrested

Paris prosecutors have announced the arrests of four more individuals linked to a high-profile robbery at the Louvre last month. Thieves made off with jewelry valued at around $102 million.

Lead prosecutor Laure Becuaux revealed that the detained suspects—a mix of two men and two women aged between 31 and 40—are in custody. However, she did not specify their exact involvement in the heist.

The museum’s director, Laurence de Caer, admitted there was a “terrible failure” in security measures, noting, “Despite our efforts and hard work every day, we failed.” This statement was covered by various outlets.

Security Concerns Addressed

Reports indicate that de Caer recognized vulnerabilities in the museum’s perimeter security. Interestingly, the sole camera monitoring the outside was oriented away from the balcony leading to the gallery where the valuables were stored. It’s worth mentioning that all alarms were engaged during the robbery.

In discussions with the Parliamentary Culture Committee, de Caer highlighted steps to bolster security. She also shared that the robbers employed a disc cutter to access the exhibition cases. Notably, the case had been upgraded in 2019 to guard against such attacks. Yet, the method the thieves chose in the October 19 heist was described as “completely inconceivable.”

Details Emerge on the Bold Robbery

It appears the thieves used an elevating truck, typically used for furniture transportation, to reach the museum’s second floor. From there, they brazenly entered the Apollo Gallery in broad daylight, stealing eight valuable pieces of jewelry totaling €88 million (about $102 million).

The stolen items included a diamond and emerald necklace gifted by Napoleon to Empress Marie Louise, pieces linked to queens from the 19th century, and Empress Eugénie’s pearl and diamond tiara—none of which have been recovered.

De Caer expressed regret, stating, “We failed these gems.” She also commented, “No one can protect themselves from a brutal thief—not even the Louvre.”

Background on Security Measures Following the Heist

There’s a sense of unease given how the robbery unfolded. The use of a moving elevator to access a second-floor window highlights glaring security lapses. Police secured the area outside the Louvre after the event, indicating that this incident has raised alarms for museums globally.

Preliminary charges are already in place against the three men and one woman arrested back in October concerning this shocking robbery.