New Zealand Diplomat Victim of Armed Robbery in Paris

A diplomat from New Zealand’s Embassy in France became the victim of a shocking armed robbery in Paris on Thursday evening, according to statements released by the city’s prosecutor’s office the following day. The official did not disclose the name of the diplomat, and it remains unclear whether any suspects have been identified at this time.

The Paris prosecutor’s office announced that they have referred the case to the criminal police, focusing on serious charges including organized robbery with a weapon, as well as arrest, kidnapping, false imprisonment, or arbitrary detention. This indicates the severity of the incident.

The statement released by the prosecutor’s office did not provide specific details about the condition of the diplomat, only mentioning that the victim had been transported to a hospital for medical attention following the violent encounter. The incident took place in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, a notably affluent area renowned for housing some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

As the investigation continues, the Parisian authorities have yet to assess the extent of the damage or the value of the belongings that were stolen from the diplomat’s residence. Local media reports indicate that two assailants forcibly entered the diplomat’s home, where they tied the victim up and struck them in the face with the butt of a pistol before fleeing the scene in a vehicle adorned with stolen license plates.

This alarming incident is part of a broader trend, as France has seen a notable increase in home invasions throughout 2023. The French Judicial Police reported 515 home invasions and attempted invasions this year, compared to 475 recorded in 2022.

The Embassy of New Zealand in Paris has yet to issue a public comment regarding this distressing incident.