In a development surrounding the audacious theft of crown jewels at the Louvre Museum, the Paris prosecutor has announced that two individuals now face preliminary charges linked to the heist. This announcement comes just days after their arrest by authorities as part of a broader investigation.
According to Laure Beccuau, the prosecutor leading the case, a 37-year-old man is facing charges of theft executed by an organized gang, as well as criminal conspiracy. Meanwhile, a 38-year-old woman has been charged with being an accomplice. Both suspects are currently in custody.
The prosecutor stated that both individuals have denied any involvement in the crime.
Adrien Sorrentino, the woman’s attorney, expressed to the media that his client is “devastated” and strongly refutes the allegations against her.
“She is at a loss as to how she has been implicated in these accusations,” Sorrentino remarked.
Earlier this week, five people were detained by law enforcement in connection to the theft, including one suspect linked through DNA evidence. Of those arrested, three have since been released without any charges, Beccuau confirmed.
Two earlier suspects, men aged 34 and 39 from Aubervilliers, north of Paris, were charged this week with theft by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy.
Beccuau said both gave “minimalist” statements and “partially admitted” their involvement. The two are believed to be the men who forced their way into the Apollo Gallery. One was stopped at Charles-de-Gaulle Airport with a one-way ticket to Algeria; his DNA matched a scooter used in the getaway.
Neither names nor extensive biographical details about those arrested have been made public.
Information about investigations is meant to be secret under French law, to avoid compromising police work and to ensure victims’ right to privacy, a policy known as “secret d’instruction. Only the prosecutor can speak publicly about developments, and violators can be prosecuted.
In a separate case, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said six people were arrested on Thursday soon after a robbery at a gold refining laboratory in the city of Lyon during which thieves used explosives. The loot, which was estimated to be worth 12 million euros ($13.9 million) has been recovered, Nuñez said on X.
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