More than three years after the jewel theft from the Green Vault in Dresden, three of the six accused have confessed to their involvement in the crime.
One of them testified before the Dresden district court that he entered the treasury, smashed a display case with an ax and ripped out jewels.
According to their own statements, the other two were busy setting fire to the nearby level house in order to switch off the street lighting.
They also helped stow the loot in the getaway car.
A fourth defendant has announced a confession for the next day of the hearing on Friday.
A fifth defendant does not want to participate in the deal.
The sixth defendant has an alibi for the time of the crime.
Return of some of the jewelry in December
This was preceded by the return of part of the jewelry in December and a subsequent deal between those involved in the proceedings.
Accordingly, the accused can expect lighter sentences if they testify comprehensively.
The trial began in January 2022.
In November 2019, historical pieces of jewelery with an estimated total value of around 113 million euros were stolen from the Green Vault.
Three valuable pieces and individual small parts are still missing from the jewels.