French police conducting searches in the suburbs of Paris as part of a drug trafficking investigation made an unexpected discovery: a stolen painting by Pablo Picasso valued at between €12 and €15 million.

The searches initially took place in the commune of Champigny-sur-Marne, but the artwork was found in the neighboring town of Ormesson-sur-Marne. According to the prosecutor's office, the painting's authenticity has been confirmed. It depicts Marie-Thérèse Walter, the artist's former lover and muse.

The painting was discovered in the home of the aunt of the main suspect, a 37-year-old man allegedly involved in drug trafficking. Along with the painting, police seized 17 kilograms of hashish, luxury items worth approximately €200,000, and several thousand euros in cash.

The suspect works for an art storage company. He reportedly admitted to the theft, claiming he wanted to expose vulnerabilities in the security system. A criminal case has been opened for theft and handling stolen goods. In total, five other individuals have been arrested, three of whom have been placed in custody.

Earlier, it was reported that two suspects were arrested in France for the robbery of the Louvre. They were charged with organized theft and criminal conspiracy, but the stolen royal jewels have not yet been recovered.

Source: podrobno.uz