PARIS — Authorities have arrested five additional suspects in connection with the recent jewel heist at the Louvre Museum, bringing the total number of arrests to seven. The Paris prosecutor announced the arrests on Thursday, revealing that one of the detainees was identified through DNA evidence linked to the crime. The arrests occurred during coordinated late-night operations in Paris and the nearby Seine-Saint-Denis region.

Prosecutor Laure Beccuau stated that one of the suspects is believed to be part of the group that executed the brazen robbery at the Apollo Gallery on October 19. She noted that while the latest arrests have not led to the recovery of the stolen jewels, investigators hope the new information will shed light on the events surrounding the heist.

The stolen items are valued at approximately $102 million and include a diamond-and-emerald necklace given by Napoleon to Empress Marie-Louise, as well as other royal jewels associated with 19th-century queens and Empress Eugénie’s pearl-and-diamond tiara. So far, only one item, Eugénie’s damaged crown, has been recovered.

Beccuau described the investigation as an “exceptional mobilization,” involving around 100 investigators working seven days a week. They have analyzed approximately 150 forensic samples and sealed 189 items as evidence. Despite these efforts, the prosecutor emphasized that the jewels remain missing and urged anyone with information to come forward, stating, “These jewels are now, of course, unsellable… There’s still time to give them back.”

Details of the heist have emerged, revealing that the thieves had meticulously planned the operation. Nine days prior to the robbery, they stole a truck-mounted lift after responding to a fake moving advertisement. On the day of the heist, the vehicle was used to access the Apollo Gallery, allowing the thieves to break in during daylight hours. Security footage captured the suspects forcing a window and cutting into display cases with power tools before fleeing on scooters.

French police have acknowledged significant security gaps at the Louvre, prompting a national discussion about the protection of cultural treasures. Paris police chief Patrice Faure noted that the first alert to authorities came from a cyclist who witnessed the robbery, rather than from the museum’s security systems. He admitted that outdated security measures contributed to the incident, with ongoing upgrades not expected to be completed until 2029-2030.

Two earlier suspects, aged 34 and 39, were charged with theft by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy after spending nearly 96 hours in custody. One of them was apprehended at Charles de Gaulle Airport while attempting to leave for Algeria, and his DNA matched evidence from the crime scene. Both suspects provided minimal statements regarding their involvement.

Investigators are still exploring the possibility of a larger network behind the heist, although there is currently no evidence of insider assistance from museum staff. The daylight theft has shocked the art world and raised questions about the security of one of the most visited museums globally. The investigation continues as authorities work to recover the stolen treasures and hold those responsible accountable.