The Paris prosecutor announced on Saturday that two additional individuals have been formally charged in connection with the theft of the crown jewels from the Louvre museum. According to Laure Beccuau, the prosecutor, a 37-year-old suspect faces charges of theft by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy, while a 38-year-old woman is accused of being an accomplice. Both suspects have been taken into custody and have denied any involvement in the crime.
In a related development, five individuals, including one identified through DNA evidence, were arrested earlier in the week in connection with the heist. Additionally, two men aged 34 and 39 from Aubervilliers, located north of Paris, were charged with theft by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy. Prosecutor Laure Beccuau stated that these individuals provided limited information and only partly confessed to their roles in the crime. It is believed that these men are the ones who forcibly entered the Apollo Gallery, with one of them being apprehended at Charles-de-Gaulle Airport while attempting to board a one-way flight to Algeria. His DNA was a match to evidence recovered from a scooter used in the escape.
Authorities have not disclosed the identities or detailed backgrounds of the arrested individuals, citing French legal provisions that keep investigative information confidential to safeguard police operations and protect the privacy rights of victims. Public statements regarding case developments are restricted to the prosecutor, with potential legal consequences for any breaches of this policy.
