The escaped prisoner was apprehended early this morning exiting a wine cellar near Lyon, in southeastern France. The accomplice who helped him escape remains at large.

French prison authorities previously reported that the 20-year-old inmate escaped from Corbas prison in the Rhone region of southeastern France on 11/7. "He took advantage of a fellow inmate's release, hiding in the luggage to successfully escape," they stated.

Inside Corbas prison, near Lyon, southeastern France in 2009. Photo: Reuters

Inside Corbas prison, near Lyon, southeastern France in 2009. Photo: Reuters

The prisoner's identity has not been released. He is serving multiple sentences and is also under investigation for organized crime.

Sebastien Cauwel, director of the French prison administration, said the escape "revealed a series of serious errors." He noted that overcrowding at Corbas prison complicates the work of prison guards.

Corbas prison faces increasing overcrowding. As of 1/5/2025, it held about 1,218 inmates, exceeding its maximum capacity of 678.

Huyen Le (AFP, CNN)