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 has been accused of theft by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy, while a 38-year-old woman has been charged as an accomplice. Both suspects have been placed in custody and have denied any involvement in the crime.
Earlier in the week, five individuals were arrested by the police in relation to the heist, one of whom was identified through DNA evidence. Furthermore, two previous suspects, aged 34 and 39 and hailing from Aubervilliers, were also charged with theft by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy. According to prosecutor Laure Beccuau, these individuals provided vague statements and partially confessed to their roles in the crime. It is believed that they are the perpetrators 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.
The identities and detailed personal backgrounds of the arrested individuals have not been disclosed to the public. French law mandates that information regarding ongoing investigations remain confidential to safeguard the integrity of police operations and uphold the privacy rights of victims, a principle known as “secret d’instruction.” Only the prosecutor is authorized to disclose information pertaining to the case, and any breaches of confidentiality may result in legal consequences.