PARIS — In an intriguing twist to the ongoing investigation into the Louvre museum’s crown jewels heist, the Paris prosecutor announced Saturday that two more individuals have been preliminarily charged. Their arrest occurred three days prior, adding new dimensions to the expansive probe.

Prosecutor Laure Beccuau revealed that a 37-year-old man is facing charges of theft by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy. Meanwhile, a 38-year-old woman has been charged as an accomplice. Both suspects have now been placed in custody.

Despite the charges, both individuals have denied any involvement in the heist, according to the prosecutor’s statement.

Adrien Sorrentino, the attorney representing the woman, expressed that his client is “devastated” by the accusations and firmly contests them.

“She is bewildered by her alleged connection to the charges,” Sorrentino remarked to reporters.

Five people were arrested by police on Wednesday in connection with the case, including one tied by DNA. Three have been released without charges, Beccuau said.

Two earlier suspects, men aged 34 and 39 from Aubervilliers, north of Paris, were charged this week with theft by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy.

Beccuau said both gave “minimalist” statements and “partially admitted” their involvement. The two are believed to be the men who forced their way into the Apollo Gallery. One was stopped at Charles-de-Gaulle Airport with a one-way ticket to Algeria; his DNA matched a scooter used in the getaway.

Neither names nor extensive biographical details about those arrested have been made public.

Information about investigations is meant to be secret under French law, to avoid compromising police work and to ensure victims’ right to privacy, a policy known as “secret d’instruction. Only the prosecutor can speak publicly about developments, and violators can be prosecuted.

In a separate case, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said six people were arrested on Thursday soon after a robbery at a gold refining laboratory in the city of Lyon during which thieves used explosives. The loot, which was estimated to be worth 12 million euros ($13.9 million) has been recovered, Nuñez said on X.