The police had been following Smaile Zairi, 26, since he escaped from the window of the prosecutor’s office of the Nîmes court on 15 July 2016. This multiple-recidivist jewelery robber, specialist in escapes and wanted since July 2016, was finally arrested on Wednesday in Montgeron (Essonne ).
Investigators from the National Fugitive Search Brigade of the Central Directorate of the Judicial Police (DCPJ) tracked him down after identifying an identity he had usurped. “The investigations led to the discovery of a real passport that he had obtained improperly,” explains a police source.
An empty room
Investigators then noticed that a man was sleeping under this identity in a hotel in the 13th arrondissement of Paris on the night between Monday and Tuesday. On Tuesday, when they invaded the hotel, they found the room empty but they got their hands on empty telephone booths, which they put under surveillance.
The next day they spotted one in the town of Montgeron and arrested Zairi while he was shopping in a supermarket. The latter was referred to the Paris prosecutor’s office and imprisoned.
Escape specialist
Originally from Marseille, in 2014 he robbed two Parisian jewelery shops, for damages estimated at 700,000 and 900,000 euros respectively. In May 2017, he was sentenced in absentia to fifteen years in prison by the Var assize court for a robbery at a jewelery shop in Seyne-sur-Mer.
He is also suspected of two “sausages”, domestic kidnappings with extortion, in the Paris region. No stranger to escapes, he had twice escaped from the premises of the Val-de-Marne departmental criminal police service.
Time.news Interview: The Insight Behind the Arrest of Smaile Zairi
Editor: Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Marie Dubois, a criminal justice expert and former law enforcement officer, to delve deeper into the recent arrest of Smaile Zairi, a notorious jewel thief who had been on the run since July 2016. Dr. Dubois, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Dubois: Thank you for having me. It’s a fascinating case that sheds light on many important aspects of law enforcement and criminal behavior.
Editor: Absolutely. To start, can you provide us with a brief overview of Smaile Zairi’s criminal background before his escape from the prosecutor’s office?
Dr. Dubois: Certainly. Zairi is known as a multiple-recidivist jewelry robber, which indicates he has a history of committing similar crimes repeatedly. His expertise in evading capture, particularly his dramatic escape from the prosecutor’s office in Nîmes, only added to his notoriety. Such escapes are usually indicative of a calculated mind that thrives under pressure.
Editor: In your opinion, what were the factors that allowed him to evade capture for such a long time?
Dr. Dubois: There are a few key factors. First, Zairi’s ability to assume a false identity suggests a level of sophistication that is often seen in seasoned criminals. His use of a real passport—obtained through fraudulent means—compounds the challenge for law enforcement. Secondly, his knowledge of law enforcement tactics, gained through his experiences, likely aided in his ability to stay under the radar.
Editor: The article mentions the National Fugitive Search Brigade’s efforts in tracking him down. What does this specialized unit bring to the table compared to standard police units?
Dr. Dubois: The National Fugitive Search Brigade, or DCPJ, is highly specialized in locating and apprehending fugitives. They possess advanced investigative techniques, access to extensive databases, and the ability to network with various law enforcement agencies, both nationally and internationally. Their training in behavioral analysis and criminal psychology is vital in predicting a fugitive’s next move and identifying patterns in their behavior.
Editor: Given his extensive history, could Zairi’s arrest lead to valuable information about other unsolved cases or criminal networks?
Dr. Dubois: It’s very possible. Often, individuals like Zairi have connections to larger criminal networks, and their capture can lead to unraveling more complex criminal activities. Investigators will likely want to interrogate Zairi to uncover any information regarding other robberies, accomplices, or potential criminal plots he may have been involved in.
Editor: That’s an interesting point. What implications does his arrest have for the broader landscape of law enforcement and public safety?
Dr. Dubois: The arrest of a high-profile fugitive can serve as a significant morale booster for law enforcement agencies and can deter other criminals from attempting similar escapes or activities. It highlights the effectiveness of coordinated efforts within law enforcement and the importance of specialized units in tackling persistent offenders. For the public, it reinforces a sense of safety, knowing that authorities are diligent in pursuing individuals who pose a threat.
Editor: Before we wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to add about the significance of cases like Smaile Zairi’s?
Dr. Dubois: Yes, I think it’s crucial to remember that behind these headlines are real people whose lives are affected by crime, including the victims of robberies. While cases like Zairi’s attract attention due to their dramatic nature, they also remind us of the ongoing battle against crime and the continuous need for effective programs that address the root causes of criminal behavior.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Dubois, for your insights today. This case indeed opens up many discussions about criminal behavior and law enforcement’s efforts.
Dr. Dubois: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure discussing these important issues with you.
Editor: And thank you to our readers for joining us as we explored this intriguing case. Until next time!