Nearly two weeks after one of Europe’s boldest art robberies, Paris prosecutors have charged two more suspects in the stunning Louvre heist. The recent push in the investigation comes as authorities race to recover a set of royal jewelry worth €88 million (about $102 million). 🏛️💎
The new defendants include a 37-year-old man, accused of organized theft and criminal conspiracy, and a 38-year-old woman, facing charges of complicity. Both have been remanded in custody and deny any wrongdoing.
Earlier this week, three other people arrested in connection with the case were released without charge. That leaves a total of four suspects now formally under indictment. Two of the first charged “partially admitted” their roles in the smash-and-grab operation, according to the Paris prosecutor’s office.
Investigators are following multiple leads. One theory suggests the priceless jewels may have been broken up and trafficked abroad in smaller pieces. But Interior Minister Laurent Nunez remains upbeat: “There are several hypotheses regarding the items, including that they have already been sold abroad. But I remain confident that we will be able to recover them.” 🔍
In response to the security breach, Culture Minister Rachida Dati called out a “chronic and structural underestimation of the risk of intrusion and theft” at the museum over the past two decades. She’s fast-tracking an emergency plan to beef up fences, alarms and video surveillance before year-end.
Meanwhile, Louvre director Laurence des Cars offered her resignation in the aftermath of the robbery—but museum board members rejected it, keeping her at the helm as the hunt for the missing jewels intensifies. Stay tuned as this high-stakes drama unfolds on the world’s most famous museum stage.
Reference(s):
Two more suspects charged in Louvre heist as investigation expands
cgtn.com
