PARIS (AP) — In a significant development in the Louvre museum’s crown jewels heist, the Paris prosecutor announced on Saturday that preliminary charges have been filed against two additional suspects.
Prosecutor Laure Beccuau revealed that a 37-year-old man faces charges of organized gang theft and criminal conspiracy. Meanwhile, a 38-year-old woman has been charged as an accomplice. Both individuals are currently in custody.
The suspects have denied any participation in the heist, according to the prosecutor.
Authorities detained five individuals on Wednesday linked to the high-profile theft, with one suspect identified through DNA evidence.
Earlier this week, two other suspects from Aubervilliers, aged 34 and 39, were charged with organized gang theft and criminal conspiracy. According to Beccuau, these men provided limited information and partially admitted their roles in the crime. They are suspected of being the perpetrators who broke into the Apollo Gallery. Notably, one of them was apprehended at Charles-de-Gaulle Airport while attempting to fly to Algeria, with his DNA matching that found on a getaway scooter.
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.
