Convictions in Harry Winston Jewel Heists

(IDEX Online News) – Eight people have been convicted for their parts in a 2008 heist at a Harry Winston store in Paris in which three gunmen made off with about $92 million in less than 20 minutes. The three gunmen were dressed up as women, down to their stockings and high-heeled shoes.

The alleged ringleader of the robbery, Douadi Yahiaoui, was given a 15-year prison sentence. Two of the other culprits have been released for time already served, reported AP.

The gang was also involved in another robbery at the same store a year earlier. During the earlier attack, the thieves dressed up as building painters and entered through the store’s service entrance.

According to newspaper reports, the value of goods stolen in the two robberies totals some $113 million.  

Many of the items have yet to be recovered. In 2011, 19 ring and three pairs of earrings, totaling $20 million were discovered in a sewer near Yahiaoui's house. The items were hidden in a plastic container set in a cement mold, reported AP.