Prosecutors in France on Saturday handed preliminary charges to two new suspects for their alleged involvement in the robbery of the crown jewels at Paris’ Louvre museum.
Police launched a nationwide search for suspects following the theft of a Napoleonic-era coat of arms from the iconic tourist destination on October 19.
What do we know about the new fees?
Paris prosecutor Laure Becuau said the 37-year-old male suspect was charged with robbery by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy. The second, a 38-year-old woman, is accused of being an accomplice. Both of them were placed in pre-trial detention.
Five other people have been arrested in connection with the case, including a person linked by DNA.
The three have been released without charges, Bekuu said.
The first two suspects, men aged 34 and 39 from a town north of Paris, were charged this week with robbery by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy.
He is accused of being part of a four-member gang responsible for the burglary.
Bekuau said both made “minimal” statements and “partially admitted” their involvement.
One was stopped at Charles-de-Gaulle Airport with a one-way ticket to Algeria. His DNA matched DNA found on the scooter used in the getaway.
How is the Louvre said to be open?
The robbery, which took place on October 19, made international headlines as masked criminals parked a truck equipped with a lifting platform next to the museum.
Two of the criminals waited on scooters on the street outside while the other two used the lifting platform to reach the first floor balcony and enter the museum.
The thieves fled on a scooter with eight precious pieces of jewelery belonging to former queens and empresses – including tiaras, necklaces, earrings and jewel-encrusted brooches.
Edited by Shawn Sinico