Burglary of JD.com warehouse in France prompts investigation, speculation
The theft, with over 50,000 items stolen by some estimates, casts a shadow over the Chinese e-commerce giant’s first Christmas in France
Following the burglary of a warehouse belonging to Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com on Monday, a judicial source has confirmed an investigation has begun on charges of theft by an organised gang.
The incident came in the middle of the Christmas shopping season and took place in the town of Dugny, a northern suburb of Paris that serves as a midpoint between the French capital and its main freight hub, Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Suspects neutralised the warehouse’s video surveillance system, with investigators analysing available footage taken by cameras outside the building, the source said on Tuesday under condition of anonymity.
The value of the stolen goods has not yet been confirmed.
French media reported that the suspects stole more than 50,000 pieces of Honor and Oppo phones, tablets, laptops and earphones. Citing police sources, they estimated a loss as high as €37 million (US$43.59 million).
The source said as a full inventory is still under way, “the composition of the loot and the amount of the damage are not currently known.”
A JD.com spokesperson said the company is “fully cooperating” with authorities as the investigation progresses, and warehouse operations are “continuing as normal”.