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Five New Arrests in Louvre Heist Include Prime Suspect as Jewels Remain Missing

Prosecutors say DNA ties alongside phone forensics now steer a broader hunt.

Overview

  • Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau said five people were detained in late‑night raids in Paris and Seine‑Saint‑Denis, bringing the total held in the case to seven.
  • One newly detained man is linked to the scene by DNA and is suspected to be among the four who carried out the Oct. 19 theft in the Apollo Gallery.
  • Two men arrested earlier were charged with organized theft and criminal conspiracy after partially admitting involvement, including one caught at Charles de Gaulle Airport.
  • Investigators have seized phones and are analyzing encrypted communications, yet none of the eight crown‑jewel pieces valued at about €88 million has been recovered.
  • Officials acknowledge serious security gaps at the Louvre; the culture minister ordered upgrades and some treasures have been moved to the Bank of France for safekeeping, with no evidence so far of inside complicity.