In a trial captivating the world’s attention, the so-called “grandpa robbers” face justice for a high-profile heist involving Kim Kardashian during Paris Fashion Week in 2016.
At a Glance
- Ten elderly suspects are on trial in Paris for the robbery of Kim Kardashian.
- The accused, dubbed “grandpa robbers,” reportedly planned the heist using Kardashian’s social media posts.
- Kardashian was robbed of $10 million worth of jewelry, including a $4 million engagement ring.
- The robbers disguised as police officers and forced entry into her hotel room.
Kardashian is scheduled to testify on May 13.
The Notorious Heist
On a fateful October night in 2016, Kim Kardashian found herself at the center of a dramatic armed robbery while in Paris for Fashion Week. The robbery, carried out by a group known as the “grandpa robbers,” involved ten individuals who allegedly orchestrated the crime after tracking Kardashian’s movements through her lavish social media posts. The suspects, predominantly elderly and coping with significant health issues, stand accused of binding and gagging Kardashian and making off with over $10 million in jewelry.
The heist occurred at the luxurious Hôtel de Pourtalès, where five of the attackers, dressed as police officers, gained access. Once inside, they overpowered both the concierge and Kanye West’s then-wife’s bodyguard before storming her suite. Reports reveal Kardashian was tied up and robbed at gunpoint, losing a $4 million engagement ring among other valuables. This act of violence took place against the backdrop of heightened tensions in Paris, which had been reeling from previous terror attacks.
A String of Unique Suspects
The roster of suspects facing trial is as perplexing as the crime itself. This group includes 72-year-old Aomar Ait Khedache, nicknamed “Old Omar,” who suffers significant hearing loss, necessitating written communication during court proceedings. Another accused, Yunnis Abbas—a published author with a book he claims details his involvement in the heist—underwent heart surgery and shares his account of the events. This assortment of defendants, including elderly men in failing health, paints a stark contrast to the audacity of their alleged crime.
The trial, anticipated to conclude by late May, has attracted substantial media interest, with over 400 journalists covering the proceedings. Amid this coverage, Kardashian’s testimony stands poised to be a pivotal factor. She is expected to recount the traumatic experience during her court appearance on May 13. French authorities have drawn considerable evidence linking the accused to the crime, including DNA and surveillance footage, which adds a complex layer to the rather senior group of defendants.
Impact and Aftermath
The boldness of the heist, coupled with the suspects’ advanced ages, continues to baffle the global audience. The crime underscored the dangers facing tourists in a city already strained under the threat of terrorism at the time. Most of the stolen items remain missing, with a diamond cross as one of the few recovered treasures. As the trial progresses, all eyes are on the outcome, which will serve as a measure of justice against a heist that shook a celebrity and, in turn, the world.
The trial not only addresses the crime itself but also examines broader issues such as privacy in the digital age. The robbery serves as a caution to public figures about the potential dangers of oversharing personal details online. Kardashian’s ordeal and the ensuing trial highlight these risks and serve as a reminder that in an age ripe with digital exposure, privacy and discretion should never be disregarded.
