Paris, Nov 25, (dpa/GNA) – French police have arrested a fourth suspect, directly linked to the October 19 heist of crown jewels from the Louvre, the Le Parisien and Le Figaro newspapers reported on Tuesday, citing police.
Police have also arrested other suspected accomplices, but the jewels remain missing.
The newly arrested man is reported to be known to the police, and to be linked to the other three main suspects, Le Parisien reported.
The brazen heist used a truck with a lift parked outside the famous museum, and caused a major security review at the museum.
Two men ascended to a first-floor balcony on the lift, forced their way through a window and made off with the jewellery, while two others waited on scooters on the street below.
The criminals threatened staff and smashed two display cases during their time in the exhibition room, lasting under four minutes in total.
The eight stolen pieces included diadems, necklaces, earrings and brooches worn by French queens and empresses.
During their getaway, the robbers dropped a crown set with emeralds and hundreds of diamonds used by the Empress Eugénie. It was found damaged near the museum.
While the museum has estimated the value of the heist at €88 million ($102 million), once broken up the jewels are expected to fetch much less.
GNA