French investigators find Picasso's paintings stolen from his granddaughter's home

A police official said Tuesday French investigators recovered two Picasso paintings and a drawing, which were stolen from the home of the artist's granddaughter in February.

Photo: French investigators find Picasso's paintings stolen from his granddaughter's home

French investigators find Picasso's paintings stolen from his granddaughter's home

Police took three people into custody. Two suspects were carrying the rolled-up canvases when police closed in Tuesday as they were expected to try to sell the masterpieces, the official said.

The two paintings  one of Pablo Picasso's daughter Maya, the other of his second wife Jacqueline  are worth more than EUR 50 million (nearly $66 million). Burglars had stolen them and the drawing from the luxurious Left Bank apartment of Diana Widmaier-Picasso, Maya Picasso's daughter.

Investigators were tipped off about a suspect by an art dealer, said a French police official who asked not to be identified by name, citing his office's policy.

Based on the tip, two different police bureaus - one that specializes in armed thefts and another in the trafficking of cultural goods - launched a constant surveillance of the main suspect.

After more than a month, investigators were convinced the suspect was preparing to try to sell the works. They took him and an accomplice into custody as they were transporting the rolled-up Picassos, the police official said. A third person was also taken into custody.

Police released no further details.