A state prosecutor says the organiser of a diamond exhibit and sale has more than doubled the estimated value of diamond jewelry stolen in a brazen weekend heist at a luxury hotel on the French Riviera to some USD 136 million.
Police had previously said yesterday's theft at the Carlton Intercontinental Hotel had netted USD 53 million in loot -- even at that level one of biggest jewelry heists in recent years.
Assistant prosecutor Philippe Vique said the Dubai-based organiser of the diamond show has raised the value based on a more complete inventory.
Vique said authorities are looking for a lone suspect who broke in through French doors at the hotel that opens out onto Cannes' famed Croisette. The suspect then fled on foot.
