Louvre Jewel Heist Suspects Face Charges in Paris

A 38-year-old woman and two of her suspected accomplices were charged in connection with the unprecedented jewel heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris. The heist, which took place last month, resulted in the theft of an estimated $102 million worth of jewelry. The woman, who lives in the northern suburb of La Courneuve, was remanded in custody on Saturday, while two of her co-defendants were released without charge. The woman's lawyer claimed that she vehemently denied the charges and was devastated by the decision.

Key Takeaways:

• A 38-year-old woman was charged with complicity in organised theft and criminal conspiracy related to the Louvre jewel heist.
• Two other suspects, identified as a 34-year-old Algerian national and a 39-year-old unlicensed taxi driver, were charged with theft and criminal conspiracy.
• The thieves stole an estimated $102 million worth of jewelry, including a diamond- and emerald-studded crown that once belonged to Empress Eugenie.
• Three of the five people arrested this week were released without charge, with their lawyers expressing concerns over the indiscriminate nature of some of the arrests.
• The investigation has been ongoing, with police suspecting that the thieves used power tools to break into the gallery.
• The stolen loot remains missing, with the thieves dropping a diamond- and emerald-studded crown as they escaped.
• The suspected accomplices lived in the northeastern Paris suburb of Aubervilliers, with one of them identified by DNA traces found on a scooter used in the heist.

Statistics:

• Estimated value of stolen jewelry: $102 million
• Number of people arrested: 5
• Number of people charged: 3
• Number of people released without charge: 3
• Number of suspects with a history of theft: 2 (explained in the original article, the first suspect was taken to Paris Charles De Gaulle airport while the second was apprehended near his home)

Sources:

• AFP
• Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau
• Lawyer Adrien Sorrentino for the remanded woman
• Lawyer Sofia Bougrine for one of the released suspects
• Police sources and sources close to the case told AFP.