Police in Monaco have charged three suspected members of the "Pink Panther" gang of international jewel thieves, according to a source close to the investigation.
At least one of the three is thought to be an important member of the gang, which has carried out raids in France, Germany and Switzerland.
The three men were picked up on Thursday as they were parking in Monte Carlo's Place du Casino, where several jewellery shops are located.
In October 2008, Monaco police arrested two suspected members of the "Pink Panther" who were wanted by foreign police forces in the same square.
And only last week, police foiled an attempted burglary of a jeweller in the same square, arresting a Russian suspect.
Neither the prosecutor's office nor officials at Monaco's ministry of public security have released any information on the suspects, saying they will only make a statement at the beginning of the week.
All three were remanded in custody on Saturday.
The "Pink Panther" gang is thought to number around 60 members from the former Yugoslavia, around half of whom are Montenegrins.
As well as raids in Monte Carlo, the French Channel resort of Le Touquet, Germany and Switzerland, the group has also been linked to robberies as far afield as the United States, Japan and the United Arab Emirates.
Earlier this month, a Paris court jailed two Montenegrins, suspected members of the gang, on charges relating to forged papers.
Nicolai Ivanovic, 36, and Zoran Kostic, 39, were jailed for 24 and 10 months respectively. Police believe Kostic is one of the leaders of the gang.AFP
