The Paris prosecutor announced on Saturday that two additional suspects have been formally charged in connection with the theft of the crown jewels from the Louvre museum. Laure Beccuau, the prosecutor, revealed that a 37-year-old individual was charged with theft by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy, while a 38-year-old woman was accused of being an accomplice. Both suspects have been placed in custody and have denied any involvement in the crime.
In a related development, five individuals, including one identified through DNA evidence, were arrested by the police earlier in the week. The prosecutor also disclosed that two men, aged 34 and 39 from Aubervilliers, were recently charged with theft by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy. According to Laure Beccuau, the two men provided limited statements and only partially acknowledged their participation. They are believed to be the individuals who forcibly entered the Apollo Gallery. One of them was apprehended at Charles-de-Gaulle Airport with a one-way ticket to Algeria, and his DNA matched samples recovered from a scooter used during the escape.
No specific names or detailed personal backgrounds of the arrested individuals have been released to the public. French law mandates that details of ongoing investigations remain confidential to safeguard police operations and protect the privacy rights of victims, under the “secret d’instruction” policy. Only the prosecutor is authorized to disclose information on case developments, with potential legal consequences for any breaches of this protocol.