Louvre jewels heist: Two new suspects handed preliminary charges, Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau says

Paris — The Paris Public Prosecutor said on Saturday that preliminary charges have been brought against two new suspects for their alleged involvement in the theft of the Crown Jewels from the Louvre Museum, three days after they were arrested by police as part of a comprehensive investigation.

The 37-year-old suspect was charged with robbery by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy, Public Prosecutor Lore Bekou said in a statement. The other, a 38-year-old woman, is charged with complicity. Both were imprisoned.

Both denied involvement, the prosecutor said.

The woman’s lawyer, Adrian Sorrentino, told reporters that his client was “devastated” that she disputed the accusations.

“She does not understand how she became involved with any of the elements she is accused of,” he said.

Police arrested five people on Wednesday in connection with the case, including one who was linked by DNA. Pekwao said three were released without charges.

An organized gang and a criminal conspiracy accused two former suspects, 34- and 39-year-old men from Aubervilliers, north of Paris, of theft.

Both made “minor” statements and “partially admitted” their involvement, Bekwao said. The two are believed to be the men who made their way to the Apollo exhibit. One was stopped at Charles de Gaulle Airport with a one-way ticket to Algeria; His DNA matches the scooter used in the getaway.

The names or extensive biographical details of the detainees were not announced.

Information related to investigations is supposed to be confidential under French law, to avoid compromising police work and to guarantee victims’ right to privacy, a policy known as “confidentiality of instructions.” Only the public prosecutor can speak publicly about developments, and violators can be prosecuted.

In a separate case, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said six people were arrested on Thursday shortly after a robbery at a gold refinery in the city of Lyon during which the thieves used explosives. Nunez told Channel X that the stolen items, valued at 12 million euros ($13.9 million), have been recovered.