In a significant development in the ongoing investigation of the audacious robbery at the Louvre Museum, two additional suspects have been formally charged, according to an announcement made on Saturday by the Paris prosecutor. This high-profile case, involving the theft of crown jewels, has captivated public attention since the heist occurred.
The prosecutor, Laure Beccuau, revealed that a 37-year-old man is facing charges of theft executed by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy. Meanwhile, a 38-year-old woman has been charged as an accomplice. Both individuals are currently in custody, having been detained by authorities. Despite the charges, they have both denied any involvement in the crime.
The arrests of these two suspects followed a broader crackdown by the police earlier in the week, which saw five individuals apprehended, including one whose DNA was allegedly linked to the scene. This brings the total number of people charged in connection with the heist to four, as the investigation continues to unfold.
Earlier in the week, two other suspects were brought before the court. These men, aged 34 and 39 and hailing from Aubervilliers, a suburb north of Paris, faced similar charges of orchestrating theft as part of an organized gang and engaging in criminal conspiracy. During questioning, they reportedly provided limited statements and partially confessed to their roles in the heist.
Authorities suspect that these two men were the individuals who breached security to enter the Apollo Gallery, where the jewels were on display. Notably, one of them was apprehended at Charles-de-Gaulle Airport while attempting to board a flight to Algeria, with his DNA matching evidence found on a scooter believed to have been used in their escape.
Paris prosecutor Laure 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 have been made public about those arrested.
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.
