A Decade After the Paris Heist: Kim Kardashian's Robbery Trial
Kim Kardashian to Appear in French Court for Trial Regarding 2016 Armed Heist that Traumatized Her
In a chilling flashback to 2016, the harrowing night that shattered Kim Kardashian's serene world is back in the limelight, as 10 suspects, including her alleged robbers, face trial in Paris.
Midnight in the City of Lights, a time when glamour usually reigned, transformed into Kim's nightmare.
As Paris Fashion Week unfolded, Kardashian found herself ensnared in her luxury residence. Awakened by the sound of footsteps, she was suddenly confronted by masked men who, at gunpoint, tied her up and dragged her into the bathroom. As they made off with millions of dollars' worth of her jewellery, Kardashian anticipated the worst - fearing she would be viciously assaulted, murdered, and forever parted from her children and husband.
Fast forward to 28 April 2025, as the trial commences at the Court of Appeal of Paris. The ten accused, nine men and one woman, have been charged with the robbery, abduction, and kidnapping of Kardashian and the concierge on that fateful night of 2 October 2016.
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Kardashian's legal team has revealed she will personally testify during the trial, which runs until 23 May. Respecting the French justice system, Kardashian has expressed her admiration for it and hopes for a fair and orderly proceeding for all parties involved.
In a said-tearfully 2020 appearance on David Letterman's Netflix show, she recounted her thoughts: "This is the moment I’d get raped. I’m like, 'What’s happening? Are we gonna die? Just tell them I have children. I have babies, I have a husband, I have a family.'"
The Fateful Night: Kim's Close Call with Danger
In October 2016, Kim took residence at the exclusive Hôtel de Pourtalès, a private apartment complex in the heart of Paris, popular with celebrities seeking privacy. Escorted by bare-minimum security that fateful night, her bodyguard, Pascal Duvier, had gone out with sisters Kourtney Kardashian and Kendall Jenner to a nightclub.
Alone in her apartment, Kim had spent the evening relaxing after showcasing her jewellery online, including her EUR 3.5 million diamond engagement ring from then-husband Kanye West.
At around 2:30 AM, a gang of armed men, ages over 60, sneaked into the building. The concierge, whom they had secured at gunpoint, led them to Kim's door. The robbers then burst into her bedroom, bound her with zip ties and duct tape, and maneuvered her into the bathroom bathtub.
They walked away with millions of dollars' worth of jewellery, such as her engagement ring, Cartier bracelets, Lauren Schwartz earrings, and a yellow gold Rolex watch. To this day, only one item - a diamond cross on platinum, left during the getaway - has been recovered.
When the robbers fled, Kim somehow freed herself and alerted her friend and security, who quickly came to her aid. After conferring with detectives, Kim returned to the US on a private jet, promptly overhauling her entire security squad.
The "Grandpa Robbers": Faces Behind the Heist
The French media has nicknamed the suspects the "Grandpa Robbers" for their advanced ages and previous criminal history, encompassing bank robberies. Among them is Aomar Aït Khedache ("Old Omar"), the alleged ringleader, whose DNA was found on the duct tape used to gag Kim. Escape-riding Khedache later met up with his son in a car parked nearby.
Didier Dubreucq, known as "Blue Eyes," is another suspect placed in the apartment, although he denies any involvement despite being captured on CCTV cameras.
Yunice Abbas, a 71-year-old, served as the lookout in the ground floor reception area, ensuring their getaway route was clear. He admitted to sharing responsibility for the crime but refrained from outright betraying his accomplices.
Others on trial include facilitators and informants, such as Gary Madar, Kim's longtime Paris driver's brother, accused of disclosing details about her movements.
If convicted, the accused could face sentences ranging from 10 years to life in prison for their more serious crimes.
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- Kim Kardashian's legal team has confirmed that she will testify in person during the trial, which is set to run until May 23rd.
- Kardashian's harrowing experience has often appeared in headlines, including entertainment and general news, as well as crime and justice sections.
- The ten suspects accused of robbing Kim Kardashian, including the alleged ringleader, Aomar Aït Khedache, have been recalled for their roles in the heist.
- Among the alleged accomplices, Didier Dubreucq, known as "Blue Eyes," is among those placed at the scene of the crime, despite his denials of involvement.
