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.
Earlier in the week, five individuals, including one identified through DNA evidence, were arrested by the police in relation to the heist. Two men, aged 34 and 39 from Aubervilliers, were also charged with theft by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy. Prosecutor Laure Beccuau stated that these two suspects provided vague statements and only partially admitted their roles in the crime. It is believed that they were the individuals who forcibly entered the Apollo Gallery. One of the men was apprehended at Charles-de-Gaulle Airport with a one-way ticket to Algeria, and his DNA matched samples recovered from a scooter used in the escape.
The identities and detailed backgrounds of the arrested individuals have not been disclosed, as French law mandates that information regarding ongoing investigations be kept confidential to safeguard police operations and uphold the privacy rights of victims, a principle known as “secret d’instruction.” Only the prosecutor is authorized to release information about case developments, with legal consequences for any breaches of this protocol.