Two New Suspects Handed Preliminary Charges In Louvre Jewels Heist Case
PARIS (AP) — Preliminary charges have been filed against two new suspects for their crimes, the Paris prosecutor said Saturday. Alleged involvement in crown jewels heist At the Louvre Museum three days after he was arrested by police as part of an extensive investigation.
Prosecutor Laure Beccuau said in a statement that a 37-year-old suspect was accused of theft by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy. The other woman, 38, is accused of being an accomplice. Both were imprisoned.
The prosecutor denied that either of them were involved in the incident.
The woman’s lawyer, Adrien Sorrentino, told reporters that his client was “devastated” to fight the charges.
“He doesn’t understand how he got involved in any of the elements he’s accused of,” he said.
Five people were arrested by police on Wednesday in connection with the incident, one of whom was linked by DNA. Beccuau said the three men were released without charge.
Two suspects, aged 34 and 39, from Aubervilliers, north of Paris, were this week accused of theft by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy.
Beccuau said they both made “minimalist” statements and “partially accepted” their participation. The two are believed to be men who broke into the Apollo Gallery. One was stopped at Charles-de-Gaulle Airport with a one-way ticket to Algiers; His DNA matched the scooter used in the escape.
The names or comprehensive biographical details of those arrested have not been made public.
Information regarding the investigations is as follows: Must be confidential under French lawA policy known as “instruction secrecy” to avoid compromising the work of the police and to ensure victims’ rights to privacy. Only the prosecutor can speak publicly about developments, and violators can be prosecuted.
Separately, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said six people were arrested on Thursday following a robbery at a gold refinery laboratory in the city of Lyon, where thieves used explosives. In X, Nuñez said loot estimated at 12 million euros ($13.9 million) had been recovered.
