Six Suspects Referred to Judge After Foiled Chanel Robbery Attempt in Paris
Paris, February 1, 2026 – Six individuals suspected of a foiled armed robbery attempt at a Chanel boutique in Paris have been referred to a judge today, Sunday, February 1. The alleged robbers, who were armed with real or fake weapons, left empty-handed, but a security guard at the store was injured during the incident.
The suspects, born between 1982 and 1992, are believed to be linked to the “attempted organized armed robbery, involving a ram-raid, targeting a Chanel boutique located on Rue Montaigne (8th arrondissement of Paris) in November 2025,” stated the public prosecutor’s office. The alleged perpetrators were arrested on Wednesday and Thursday as part of investigations carried out by the Brigade for the Repression of Banditry (BRB).
Increasing Armed Robberies Targeting Luxury Stores
This incident is part of a growing trend of armed robberies targeting luxury brands in Paris. In June 2024, another Chanel boutique, also located on Avenue Montaigne, was the target of a ram-raid. The perpetrators set fire to their vehicle before fleeing in another car. In that case, four individuals – including a prominent figure in organized crime known as “the umbrella man” – were indicted in February 2025 on charges of “organized theft,” “organized destruction,” and “criminal association.” They were subsequently placed in pre-trial detention. The value of the stolen goods was not officially disclosed but was estimated at one million euros.
Another Chanel boutique, situated on Rue Royale, also in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, was burgled on October 2, 2025, again using a ram-raid. In this case, two men aged 27 and 32 were indicted on October 7 for “organized theft” and “participation in a criminal association with a view to preparing an aggravated crime committed by an organized gang.” They were also placed in pre-trial detention. According to a police source, the store’s window was shattered, and numerous bags were stolen. The entire haul – ninety-nine bags, valued by Chanel at 575,000 euros – was subsequently recovered from the perpetrators’ hideout apartment.
These repeated incidents highlight the ongoing challenge faced by luxury retailers in Paris in combating organized crime. Authorities continue to intensify their efforts to apprehend those responsible and dismantle these criminal networks.
