Paris: Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau announced on Saturday that two new suspects have been preliminarily charged for their alleged roles in the recent crown jewels heist at the Louvre museum. The suspects, a 37-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman, were arrested three days ago as part of the police's extensive investigation. The man has been charged with theft by an organised gang and criminal conspiracy, while the woman is accused of being an accomplice. Both suspects have been incarcerated.

The two suspects deny any involvement. The woman’s lawyer, Adrien Sorrentino, expressed that his client is “devastated” and does not understand the basis of the accusations against her.

Five individuals were arrested on Wednesday in connection with the case, with three having been released without charges. Earlier this week, two men aged 34 and 39 from Aubervilliers, north of Paris, were also charged with theft by an organised gang and criminal conspiracy. These two men are believed to be the ones who forced entry into the Apollo Gallery. One of them was stopped at Charles-de-Gaulle Airport with a one-way ticket to Algeria, and his DNA matched a scooter used in the escape.

The authorities have not released names or detailed biographies of the arrested suspects due to the French law on “secret d'instruction,” which mandates secrecy in investigations to protect police work and victims' rights. Only the prosecutor can disclose information publicly, with legal penalties for violations.

Separately, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported the arrest of six individuals following a robbery involving explosives at a gold refining laboratory in Lyon . The stolen gold, valued at approximately 12 million euros (around USD 13.9 million), was recovered soon after the incident.

With inputs from PTI