About two weeks ago in Paris, a group of robbers used a stolen truck and a mobile elevator to enter one of the most protected halls of the world's most visited museum. In less than seven minutes, they broke open the door, took jewelry worth an estimated €88 million — among them a diamond pendant belonging to Napoleon I and the tiara of Empress Eugénie — and fled on scooters.
Investigations revealed that, despite the intricate planning, during their escape they threw away one of the most valuable pieces and left behind tools that carried DNA traces. Four people have been arrested so far, including a couple from Seine-Saint-Denis, where, according to the authorities, people involved in low-level crimes live. The DNA of two of them is suspected to have been found in the elevator used. The woman appeared in tears in court, stating that she fears for her children. Two other suspects, a 34-year-old Algerian and a 39-year-old, have partially admitted their involvement.
Three other people initially detained have been released without charge. Meanwhile, the precious stones have not been found and authorities are investigating the possibility that they ended up on the parallel market. According to the prosecutor's office, the case is not linked to large criminal structures, but to local individuals with criminal records — a combination that makes the robbery both daring and immature.
