Paris: The robbery at the Louvre Museum earlier this month was committed by local offenders rather than members of organized crime networks, the Paris prosecutor has said, as the investigation into the theft of jewels worth £88 million ($94 million) continues.
According to Anadolu Agency, Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau told Franceinfo radio on Sunday that the suspects currently charged were 'local people' from Seine-Saint-Denis, a northern suburb of Paris. Beccuau clarified that this type of delinquency is not typically associated with organized crime.
The incident took place two weeks ago when a group of thieves employed a stolen truck and a furniture lift to gain access to the first floor of the Louvre. They broke into one of the museum's ornate rooms and quickly made off on scooters with royal jewels, including notable pieces such as an emerald and diamond necklace given by Napoleon I to Marie Louise, and a diadem belonging to Empress Eugenie.
Beccuau confirmed that at least one individual involved remains at large. So far, four people have been charged, which includes a 37-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman whose DNA was reportedly discovered on the lift used during the heist. The man faces charges of organized theft and criminal conspiracy, while the woman is charged with complicity in organized theft. They are described as a couple with children, and both have denied any involvement in the crime.
The woman appeared in court in Paris on Saturday, expressing concern for her family's safety. Meanwhile, two other men, aged 34 and 39, were previously arrested and charged with theft and criminal conspiracy, with both having past convictions for theft. The prosecutor mentioned that these men have 'partially admitted' their involvement in the heist.
Three additional individuals detained with the couple on October 29 were released without charge. Beccuau stated that investigators are still working to recover the missing jewels and are examining all possibilities on the parallel market for selling the jewelry. She indicated that the jewelry could potentially be used for money laundering or trade, and all leads are being explored.