Police apprehended six suspects near Lyon after they executed a daring break-in at a precious metals refinery, resulting in losses estimated at €12 million ($13.8 million) in gold. The thieves used explosives to breach security before escaping with their haul, but were quickly pursued and caught by law enforcement. The incident is particularly alarming, coming on the heels of a separate theft at the iconic Louvre Museum in Paris.
Footage shared on social media reveals parts of the heist, including suspects placing a ladder against the company fence and one seen carrying a weapon while loading bags into a getaway vehicle. Local witnesses described hearing a significant explosion that caused minor injuries to five employees at Pourquery Laboratories.
The police response included not only the arrest of a woman among the suspects but also the seizure of assault rifles and explosives from the scene. The recent spike in such criminal activities highlights ongoing safety concerns within French security forces.
Just weeks prior, thieves infiltrated the Louvre, stealing crown jewels valued at €88 million using a mechanical lift during the day. This has resulted in seven arrests as police work to track down the remaining perpetrators.
