Two men suspected of participating in watch robberies in Switzerland last winter were indicted for conspiracy after a major trawl net that led to the arrest of 14 people, the court, interregional specialist (Jirs) said Saturday. by Nancy.
At least four other men are the subject of a postponement warrant and will be presented to an investigating judge early next week, said Jirs of Nancy, who specializes in serious organized crime. Several other suspects were released after their police custody ended, with no word on whether they were ultimately charged with a crime or whether they will have to respond to a subsequent court subpoena.
Most of the arrests took place on Monday in the Loire and Rhône, in particular in the Gier valley, following a rogatory commission entrusted to the Central Office for the Fight against Organized Crime (Oclco), with the assistance of the DZPJ Southeast, a police source said.
Kilograms of precious metals stolen
Two luxury watch robberies in Switzerland, one of which occurred in November 2021 and the other in early 2022, are at the center of the investigation. During the first, which took place in the Swiss Jura, several criminals left with 70 kilos of precious metals (including 60 kilos of gold) in suitcases, as well as two luxury watches destined for the winners of the 2021 Ballon d’Or, according to France Bleu Saint-Etienne Loire, who revealed the facts.
The alarm, on the other hand, had surprised the thugs during the second case in which they had had to abandon the 200 kilos of gold collected and had exchanged fire with the police.
Kidnapping of hostages
Two men suspected of belonging to the same criminal organization and who could be the organizers of the robberies were later arrested in Doubs.
During these two robberies, watchmakers or members of their families were taken hostage.
According to the Jirs, all the suspects arrested are of French nationality, some are known to the courts and have family ties. More arrests could follow.
