PARIS, France — Kim Kardashian experienced a harrowing ordeal in October 2016 when assailants invaded her apartment during Paris Fashion Week, binding her and stealing jewelry valued at over $6 million. Now, more than eight years later, the case is set to move forward, with ten individuals facing trial for their roles in the robbery and the kidnapping of Kardashian and the residence’s concierge.
The trial, which will begin Monday and is expected to last until May 23, has attracted significant attention. Kardashian’s legal team confirmed she would testify in person, emphasizing her respect for the French legal system. They stated, “Ms. Kardashian wishes for the trial to unfold with all parties respected and in accordance with the law.”
During the distressing incident, Kardashian recounted instances where the criminals threatened her life with a firearm, leaving her in a state of fear and panic. In previous interviews, she described the moment vividly, recalling her instinctive thoughts as she feared for her life, fearing she might not return to her children.
Originally, twelve individuals were anticipated to be involved in the trial; however, one defendant has passed away, and another is unable to stand trial due to health issues. Of the ten remaining, five were reportedly present during the robbery, leading to their classification in the media as the “Granddad Robbers,” reflecting their advanced ages and long histories of criminal activity.
Kardashian detailed to investigators that she was forced into a bathroom adjacent to her bedroom, where her captors confined her in a bathtub. They fled the scene on foot and bicycles after the crime, while she managed to escape her restraints and contact her sister, Kourtney, for support. Although traumatized, she reported no physical injuries and expressed a desire to depart France quickly to reunite with her family.
Investigators confirmed that at least one of the suspects was armed during the robbery, which involved stealing various luxury items, including a notable ring. To date, only one piece of jewelry—a diamond cross—has been recovered, having been lost in the chaos of the escape.
Two of the accused have admitted partial responsibility, with forensic evidence linking them directly to the crime scene. Aomar Aït Khedache, the alleged ringleader known as “Old Omar,” has been identified as one of the robbers who entered the apartment. He reportedly rode a bicycle from the scene and met his son at a nearby location shortly afterward.
Another defendant, Yunice Abbas, 71, acted as a lookout and has expressed remorse, acknowledging his involvement in the crime despite claims of being unarmed. His arrest came in early 2017, leading to a prison sentence that lasted 21 months before his release under supervision. In a controversial move, Abbas later co-wrote a book detailing the event.
Didier Dubreucq, another accused robber, faces allegations of direct involvement, although he maintains his innocence despite photographic evidence and numerous communications with others implicated in the case. Additional suspects are believed to have provided information about Kardashian’s presence in the apartment or facilitated the resale of stolen jewelry, potentially linking them to broader criminal networks operating in Antwerp, Belgium.
As the trial approaches, it is poised to shed light on the details of a crime that captivated audiences worldwide and reignited discussions on celebrity security and safety.