A woman walks past the entrance of the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Paris on Monday. Saudi officials in Paris say that armed robbers ambushed and stole a car rented by a Saudi man at a highway interchange on the northern edge of the French capital.

The Saudi Embassy in Paris on Monday denied press reports that armed robbers had attacked the motorcade of a Saudi prince in Paris, making off with 250,000 euros ($335,000) in cash and reportedly stealing “sensitive” documents.

“The car that came under attack was a Mercedes Viano registered in Germany, which was rented by a Saudi,” the embassy said, without identifying the person. The attack took place while the man was going to the airport, carrying his personal belongings, a statement from the embassy said.

“The driver of the car was asked to get down and the attackers ran away with the car and what was inside the car,” the embassy said. “We have been following the case after receiving a call from the Saudi victim,” it added.

The embassy assisted the Saudi to leave France, the statement said, adding that French authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. The embassy urged the media to report news based on information received from correct sources.

According to French police, the robbery took place in northern Paris late Sunday. The victim’s Mercedes and one of the thieves’ BMWs were later found abandoned and burned out in the village of Saint-Mesmes, to the northeast of Paris, approximately 40 km from the scene of the crime.

Police found two 500 euro notes, documents in Arabic and medication near the burnt wrecks of the two cars.

Romain Nadal, a spokesman for the French Foreign Ministry said: “An investigation is under way into this unacceptable attack.”

Frederic Lagache, from the Alliance police union, said: “We’re dealing with a heavily armed and determined group of criminals … We see that these individuals had no fear of the police and were not concerned about the consequences of their actions.”

 
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