French police have arrested five more people in connection with a large-scale theft at the Louvre Museum. Thus, the number of those detained in connection with this crime has reached seven, local media reported, citing Paris Attorney Laura Becco. However, the police have not yet found the stolen valuables worth 88 million euros (more than $100 million).
As the prosecutor told the RTL radio station, one of the detainees was identified by DNA traces left at the crime scene. The AFP agency described him as a "main suspect." "We kept him under surveillance. The rest are individuals who can provide information about what happened that day," said prosecutor Laura Becco.
According to Becco, it is too early to disclose complete information about the suspects. This operation was carried out after charges were brought against two individuals previously detained on charges of theft and criminal conspiracy.
According to reports, the first two suspects were arrested last Saturday, and one of them attempted to flee the country to Algeria. They partially admitted guilt.
As a reminder, the theft occurred on October 19th at the Louvre, one of the world's most famous museums. The criminals stole historical and cultural valuables worth a total of 88 million euros. According to the investigation, four people directly participated in the attack.
The latest seizure operations were carried out in Paris and its environs, including in the area of the Saint-Saint-Denis department, in the evening and at night. However, as a result of searches, it was not possible to find the stolen artifacts from the museum.
"Investigators are conducting the case step by step and gradually narrowing the circle of suspects. We are working on identifying all the involved individuals," said Prosecutor Becco.
According to him, it is currently impossible to sell the stolen works, as they are officially registered in the lists of world museums and collectors. "I hope that these items will be found and returned to the Louvre, that is, to the spiritual property of the nation. If someone returns them voluntarily, the court considers this a mitigating factor," he said.
According to the prosecutor's office, more than 150 DNA samples, fingerprints, and other evidence are being examined as part of the investigation. Also, with the help of public and private surveillance cameras, the actions of criminals were observed, some of whom, during the theft, covered their faces with masks and were wearing bright vests.
Investigators denied the possibility of Louvre employees being involved in the crime. However, inspections of the museum's security system and internal control processes are ongoing.
The location of the valuable artifacts is currently unknown, but the French police stated that they "will do everything possible to return the great cultural heritage."
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