Four Men on Trial in Paris Over $1 Million Watch Theft

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Paris: Four men have gone on trial in Paris accused of stealing a luxury watch worth around $1 million from an American tourist on the Champs-Élysées.

The incident took place on January 1, 2024, and has been described by prosecutors as damaging to the reputation of the French capital.

According to court proceedings, the suspects allegedly targeted the tourist after spotting his Jacob & Co Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon watch as he arrived with his family at the Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel. The group is said to have waited overnight before carrying out the theft the following morning.

At around 8:30 am, as the tourist passed a taxi rank, one of the accused allegedly snatched the watch from his wrist before the group fled in a car. French police later tracked the vehicle as it travelled towards Luxembourg and Belgium.

Three suspects, in their 30s and originally from Algeria and Morocco, were arrested in the Paris suburbs three months later. A fourth individual, believed to be the gang’s leader and identified as Youssef H, remains at large.

The stolen watch, originally purchased for $250,000 but believed to be worth significantly more, has not been recovered.

During the trial, one defendant claimed he only drove the vehicle, while another admitted to snatching the watch but said he believed it had little value. A third accused denied any involvement, stating he was elsewhere at the time.

The trial is expected to conclude with a verdict on Friday, as authorities continue efforts to address high-profile crimes impacting the city’s image.