In brief
Two more individuals have been charged in connection with the €88 million jewel heist at the Louvre Museum last month. A woman aged 38 faces charges of complicity in organized theft, while a 37-year-old man is charged with theft and conspiracy. The investigation has highlighted significant security lapses at the museum, prompting authorities to tighten measures across cultural institutions in France.
Two more people have been charged over a theft at the Louvre Museum last month, the Paris prosecutor's office said.
A 38-year-old woman has been charged with complicity in organised theft and criminal conspiracy with a view to committing a crime. Separately, a man, aged 37, was charged with theft and criminal conspiracy. Both denied any involvement.
Jewels worth €88m (£76m; $102m) were taken from the world's most-visited museum on 19 October, with four men executing a swift theft during daylight.
The French public has been horrified by the incident, as the theft has raised questions about the museum's security. In response to the heist, authorities are implementing stricter measures to safeguard cultural institutions.
Already, two suspects had been charged earlier after partially confessing to their involvement in the crime.
Despite the arrests, the majority of the stolen jewels, including a crown deemed invaluable, remain missing, leading to public concern and embarrassment regarding the incident.
On the day of the heist, the robbers accessed the Gallery of Apollo using a stolen vehicle-mounted lift, cracked open display cases, and escaped within minutes. Although one item was recovered after being dropped, the remaining jewels have reportedly been spirited away.
The Louvre's president has admitted to security shortcomings but insists that the necessary investments have been consistently highlighted. Critics argue that funds have been misallocated to ambitious renovation plans rather than essential security improvements.
