Two Additional Suspects Charged in Louvre Jewel Heist Investigation

French authorities have charged two more individuals in connection with the recent jewel heist at the Louvre Museum, bringing the total number of suspects formally accused to four. The latest charges were announced on Saturday by Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau.

The individuals, a 38-year-old woman and a 37-year-old man, were arrested on Wednesday along with three others, who have since been released without charge. The woman faces charges of complicity in organized theft and criminal conspiracy, while the man is charged with organized theft and criminal conspiracy. Both suspects have denied any involvement in the crime and are currently held in pre-trial detention.

The heist occurred on October 19, when thieves used power tools to access the Louvre's Apollo Gallery during regular opening hours. In under eight minutes, they stole eight pieces of jewelry valued at approximately €88 million (£76 million), including items once belonging to Empress Marie-Louise and Empress Eugénie. The stolen jewels have yet to be recovered.

Earlier, two other men were charged in connection with the robbery. One, a 34-year-old Algerian national, was apprehended at Charles de Gaulle Airport while attempting to board a flight to Algeria. The other, a 39-year-old unlicensed taxi driver, was arrested near his home. Both suspects have prior records of theft and have partially admitted to the charges.

The investigation is ongoing, with authorities continuing efforts to locate the stolen items and identify any additional accomplices.