The loot from robberies of precious metals factories in Besançon, with an estimated value of six million euros, has been found

Eight people were indicted as part of the investigation into robberies of precious metals factories in December 2025 and November 2026 in Besançon (Doubs), the anti-organized crime prosecutor announced on Sunday, November 8. The investigations made it possible to "find the entirety of the stolen loot, almost 54 kilograms of gold, the value of which was estimated at more than six million euros", said Vanessa Perrée in a press release.

“A large arsenal, including heavy weapons and notably a rocket launcher and explosives, was also seized during the arrests of the suspects,” she said. Seven of the eight people indicted were placed in pre-trial detention, including three "while awaiting a decision on security measures which will take place in the coming days", she added. The eighth indicted was placed under judicial supervision, contrary to what the national anti-organized crime prosecutor's office (Pnaco) wanted.

Seven men and one woman aged 26 to 57

These eight suspects - seven men and one woman - are aged between 26 and 57. They are notably indicted for theft by an organized gang with weapons, attempted murder by an organized gang, acquisition, possession, transport of weapons or ammunition of categories A and B (weapons of war), kidnapping, kidnapping or arbitrary detention committed by an organized gang and participation in a criminal association with a view to the preparation of a crime and offenses punishable by ten years of imprisonment.

On December 19, 2025, an armed theft by an organized gang was committed in Besançon (Doubs) to the detriment of "a company specializing in the machining of precious metals intended for luxury jewelry", recalled the boss of Pnaco, which has been operational since January 2026. The perpetrators of this robbery, armed in particular with Kalashnikov-type rifles, had stolen "several kilograms of gold before fleeing by using their firearms towards the police," she said.

Then on Tuesday morning, a new robbery took place targeting another company located nearby. The criminals stole “several dozen kilograms of gold as well as jewelry, before fleeing,” according to Vanessa Perrée.