Ten people linked to a group called the “grandpa robbers” went on trial in Paris on Monday. The defendants face accusations they plotted and carried out a robbery against Kim Kardashian in 2016. The violent incident occurred nearly a decade ago.
The defendants stood before a criminal court in Paris. Prosecutors attribute the crime to a group of individuals, some of whom are now in their 70s. The suspects allegedly wore ski masks and clothes with police markings.
Kim Kardashian was gagged, tied up and robbed at gunpoint during Paris Fashion Week in October 2016. The robbery took place at a luxury residence she had rented. Jewelry worth millions was stolen.
The robbery raised safety concerns for tourists visiting Paris. The city was still traumatized by a string of terrorist attacks that had occurred previously.
Five men dressed as police officers entered the residence. They forced a night watchman to guide them to Ms. Kardashian’s apartment. They tied her up and took valuables, including a $4 million diamond ring.
Most of the jewelry taken was not recovered. A diamond-encrusted cross was dropped in the street during the thieves' escape.
The legal process has seen years of delays. Several of the aging defendants reportedly suffer from illnesses. One defendant has died, and another is too unwell to stand trial.
Defendants include Aomar Ait Khedache, identified as “Old Omar.” He is accused of being the plot’s mastermind. Gary Madar, brother of Kardashian’s driver, is accused of providing information. A woman, Christiane Glotin, is accused of being an accomplice.
Yunice Abbas, one of five men who entered the apartment, published a book in 2021. He detailed his life story and provided an account of the robbery. In the book, he admitted to his part in the incident.
Ms. Kardashian is expected to testify during the trial on May 13. She returned to Paris since the robbery. Her security measures increased following the heist.
Her attorney, Michael Rhodes, stated that she is “reserving her testimony for the court and jury.”