Paris - French police have taken into custody some 20 people they believe are connected to last December's 85-million-euro (118 million dollars) heist from the renowned Harry Winston jewellery store in the heart of Paris, France 3 television reported Monday.

The arrests were made Sunday and Monday in and around the greater Paris area. No other details were provided about the identity of the arrested or about how many of them were released.

One of the largest successful jewel heists of all time, the robbery was carried out in broad daylight on December 4 by four men, some of whom were dressed in women's clothing.

Harry Winston is one of the world's most renowned jewellers. He designed the famous tiara worn by Empress Farah Diba for her wedding to Shah Mohammed Reza of Iran.

Harry Winston also cut the famous 69.42-carat pear-shaped diamond that the late actor Richard Burton bought for his wife Elizabeth Taylor's 40th birthday.(dpa)