Sapphire worth €150,000 stolen in violent jewelry robbery in Paris

A sapphire valued at €150,000 and other valuables were stolen in a violent robbery targeting jewelry couriers in Paris, according to Paris prosecutor’s office.

The attack took place at around 10:00 a.m. local time on December 22 on Rue d’Abbeville in the French capital’s 10th arrondissement. Two couriers delivering jewelry to a local jeweler were ambushed shortly after parking their vehicle, Caliber.Az reports via Le Figaro. 

According to police sources quoted by Le Figaro, the suspect had been lying in wait behind a van and appeared to be well-informed about the delivery.

Armed with a sledgehammer, he struck one of the couriers on the temple, causing injuries that required hospitalisation. The assailant also threatened the couriers at gunpoint and stole five bags containing jewelry and gold.

The perpetrator fled the scene on a T-MAX scooter. Authorities estimate the total value of the stolen items at around €160,000, with the sapphire alone accounting for €150,000, the prosecutor’s office said.

An investigation has been launched and assigned to the Brigade for the Repression of Banditry (BRB). 

By Sabina Mammadli