Court proceedings commence in Paris concerning the 2016 burglary of Kim Kardashian

Rewritten Article:

Informally dubbed as the "elderly bandits" by the French press, the accused individuals primarily consist of grey-haired gents in their sixties and seventies, several of whom have earlier criminal records.

Under the cover of darkness on 3 October 2016, two men wearing masks and brandishing weapons barged into Kim Kardashian's plush hotel suite in central Paris, entering via bicycles.

They demanded the $4 million (€3.5 million) diamond engagement ring from her former spouse, US rapper Kanye West, which she had been flaunting on social media. The intruders allegedly pointed a gun at Kardashian, bound her, and gagged her mouth, terrifying her while making off with the ring along with €8.9 million worth of jewelry.

The Whole Scoop

The trial will confront numerous questions, including how the robbers got a hold of the information on Kardashian's lodgings during Paris Fashion Week and timed the heist perfectly when her bodyguard was absent, escorting her sister Kourtney to a nightclub. It's speculated that Kardashian's regular social media posts about her wealth, personal life, and whereabouts may have aided the robbers' scheming[1].

Ten on Trial

The perpetrators were apprehended three months after the crime due to DNA evidence[1]. Twelve individuals were eventually charged, with only ten standing trial on Monday, as one passed away in March of the current year and another is awaiting a separate trial due to health concerns.

The Main Culprits

The lead suspect, Aomar Ait Khedache, 68, nicknamed "Old Omar," contributed DNA traces from the scene that helped investigators locate him and the other suspects. He casually shrugged off the theft, acknowledging that he bound Kardashian, but denies the investigators' claims of masterminding the operation[2]. He alleges that someone else presented the idea on behalf of someone close to the star[1].

Didier Dubreucq, 69, also known as "Blue Eyes," faces accusations of being the second man who stormed into Kardashian's room. He categorically denies the charges. Yunice Abbas, 71, is accused of staying in the lobby and later wrote a book about the crime titled "I Kidnapped Kim Kardashian[3]."

Others accused of playing supporting roles include facilitators and informants, such as Gary Madar, the long-term brother of Kardashian's Paris driver[3]. He is accused of providing information about her movements, a claim he openly denies.

The trial, due to last until 23 May, will see Kardashian, now 44, testifying live on 13 May. This court appearance is expected to create a significant buzz in the media[2].

(with AFP)

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The trial, involving international crime-and-justice, is set to address questions about how the robbers acquired information on Kim Kardashian's lodgings during Paris Fashion Week, timing the heist perfectly when her bodyguard was absent.
Celebrities and pop-culture enthusiasts, along with general-news followers, may find intrigue in the fact that the lead suspect, "Old Omar," casually acknowledged his involvement in binding Kardashian but denies masterminding the operation.
In the entertainment industry, ageing doesn't seem to deter individuals, as evident in the case of the "elderly bandits," with the lead suspect being 68 years old.
The trial proceedings will reflect on the impact of social media posts on crime scenes, as it's speculated that Kardashian's regular social media updates about her wealth, personal life, and whereabouts may have aided the robbers' planning.
In this case, the French press has given the nickname "elderly bandits" to a group of robbers, showcasing how even those in their sixties and seventies can be involved in crimes of international significance.
The trial, due to last until 23 May, will be facilitated by testimony from Kim Kardashian herself, which is expected to create a significant buzz in the entertainment world, as Kardashian, now 44, prepares to testify live on 13 May.