PARIS — Investigators focused Tuesday on the possibility that the October robbery of more than $10 million worth of jewelry from Kim Kardashian West was an inside job following the arrests of a chauffeur and his brother.
Three Paris officials, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing investigation, confirmed that Kardashian West’s driver the night of the robbery and his younger brother were among 17 people taken into custody Monday.
Michael Madar, 40, and Gary Madar, 27, worked for the same livery company, according to two of the officials.
An investigating judge may travel to the United States to speak with Kardashian West, a judicial official said, adding that such a trip would not be imminent. The official was not authorized to speak publicly about the investigation and asked not to be named.
The suspects ranged in age from 23 to 72 and included several people known for prior robberies and other crimes, according to a police document.
Police officials said Monday that subsequent searches of properties associated with the suspects yielded weapons and $147,500 in cash.
The judicial official could not immediately confirm a French media report Tuesday that more than double that amount of money had been recovered as the inventory proceeded.
The police officials would not elaborate on how they believe the theft was planned.
Kardashian West’s bodyguard was gone for the night, and the robbers forced their way into the private apartment where she was staying, tied her up and made off with the jewelry.
A spokeswoman for the reality television star said she had no comment after Monday’s arrests.
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