Paris prosecutors have announced that two more individuals have been charged in connection with the high-profile theft at the Louvre Museum last month, bringing the total number of suspects charged to four.
Seven people have been arrested so far in relation to the incident at the world-famous gallery, which occurred on October 19. A four-person team broke into the Louvre’s Apollo Gallery and stole jewels valued at 88 million euros ($102 million). The brazen heist took place in broad daylight and lasted less than eight minutes.
Among the recent arrests is a 38-year-old woman from La Courneuve, a suburb of Paris. She has been charged with complicity in organized theft and criminal conspiracy with intent to commit a crime, according to Reuters.
Additionally, a 37-year-old man was arrested and charged with theft and criminal conspiracy. Both suspects have denied involvement, the BBC reported. A magistrate judge ruled on Saturday that the two must remain in custody during the ongoing investigation, citing concerns that they might collude with others to destroy evidence.
The 37-year-old man is reportedly known to French authorities for previous robberies.
The two other suspects previously arrested face charges of criminal conspiracy and theft committed by an organized gang. One of them, a 34-year-old Algerian national who has resided in France since 2010, was caught at Charles de Gaulle Airport while attempting to flee to Algeria on a one-way ticket, according to prosecutor Laure Beccuau.
The 34-year-old, living in the Paris suburb of Aubervilliers, was previously known to police for traffic offenses. Investigators reportedly identified his DNA on a scooter used during the escape.
Another suspect, a 39-year-old man also from Aubervilliers, was arrested at his home. He has a record of multiple prior thefts, Beccuau added.
The audacious Louvre heist has captured global attention, with experts warning that the stolen jewels could potentially be melted down to mask their origin.
