PARIS (AP) – The Paris prosecutor’s office says preliminary charges have been filed against a storied warehouse workers’ guild in a probe into high-profile auction house thefts.

Investigators are looking into the theft of works including a painting by 19th century master Gustave Courbet from the prominent Drouot auction house.

The prosecutor’s office said Friday the exclusive UCHV guild of warehouse workers is being investigated for suspected criminal association and theft.

The guild, which reportedly dates from the 19th century, handles the sensitive job of transport and storage at auction houses.

Drouot, which auctions fine art and antiquities, wouldn’t comment on the charges. Nine of its employees were previously handed preliminary charges.

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