The investigation progresses. Five people suspected to be involved in the robbery of Piaget jewelry store in Paris on August 1st, with an estimated loot of between 10 and 15 million euros, were arrested on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to a source close to the case. Among them is Aïssa Bendjaber, 66, who was sentenced in absentia on September 12th to twelve years in prison for the armed robbery of the Chopard jeweler in Paris in March 2016, with a loot estimated at six million euros.
The suspects were apprehended by police officers from the Brigade de Répression du Banditisme (BRB) in charge of the investigation for armed robbery in an organized gang and organized gang kidnapping, according to the same source, confirming information from the Actu17 website. A particularly popular district for robbers, Aïssa Bendjaber, nicknamed “the man with the borsalino hat,” is known for his involvement in numerous similar robberies, including the one at Chopard jewelers in May 2009, valued at 6.8 million euros.
On August 1st, in the heart of Paris and during lunchtime, three people, at least one of whom was armed, robbed the jewelry store, according to the preliminary elements of the investigation. No one was injured.
The Rue de la Paix and Place Vendôme are world-renowned for hosting the most prestigious luxury jewelry brands. The last armed robbery of a luxury jewelry store in the capital city dates back to April 29th. On that day, three individuals on two motorcycles arrived at the Bulgari luxury jewelry store on Place Vendôme shortly before 2 PM. Two of them were carrying long weapons, according to a police source, and a security guard was assaulted. The damage was estimated to be “several million euros.”
20 Minutes with AFP
