In brief
Following the October 19 heist at the Louvre, French authorities have arrested five additional suspects in relation to the theft of priceless jewels. The investigation continues as the identities and potential roles of the new suspects remain unclear. Two previously detained individuals have partially recognized their involvement, while DNA evidence links one of the newly arrested suspects to the crime scene. The investigation aims to uncover more about the theft, which has raised significant questions regarding museum security protocols.
Five more suspects have been arrested over their involvement in the Louvre heist, Paris' public prosecutor has said.
They were detained on Wednesday night in the Paris region during coordinated raids, according to Laure Beccuau.
One of the suspects is thought to be part of the four-man team that carried out the heist, who were seen on CCTV.
Two of the other alleged thieves have already been arrested and have partially recognised their involvement in the brazen theft, while the fourth person has not yet been caught.
It is not clear what role the other newly arrested people allegedly played in the theft, but Beccuau told French radio station RTL on Thursday that they may eventually inform us about how the incident took place.
She stated that the arrests had been made in areas in and around Paris, including the suburb of Seine-Saint-Denis.
Phones and other objects found on the suspects during the raid were allowing investigators to study encrypted messages, she added.
Those arrested can be detained for up to four days before being charged or released.
French investigators are not providing many details at this stage, but Beccuau said that DNA from one of those arrested on Wednesday night could be linked to the crime scene.
On October 19, thieves stole items worth €88 million (£76 million; $102 million) from the Louvre, the world's most-visited museum, in a highly calculated, daylight robbery. The stolen jewels have yet to be recovered.
The French justice minister has criticized the museum's security measures, stating they failed to prevent the theft.
Since the incident, security protocols have been strengthened across cultural institutions in France.
