Eight people were found guilty of crimes related to the 2016 robbery of Kim Kardashian in Paris, nearly a decade after the high-profile incident. The trial, which captivated the public, involved a group known as the “grandpa robbers,” who were accused of stealing millions in jewelry from the reality TV star.
The robbery occurred during Paris Fashion Week when the perpetrators, disguised as police officers, broke into Kardashian’s hotel room. They bound her with zip ties and made off with approximately $6 million worth of her jewelry. The case was significant, being labeled as one of the largest heists targeting an individual in Paris in decades.
A court in Paris announced the verdict after a jury of six citizens and three judges deliberated. While eight defendants were convicted, two were acquitted of charges related to the robbery. The jury needed a majority vote of seven to reach a decision, which was delivered in the evening after the defendants had made their final statements.
Aomar Aït Khedache, identified as the ringleader, received an eight-year prison sentence, though five years of that are suspended. Other defendants involved in the most serious charges were given seven-year sentences, with the same suspended terms. Due to time already served in pretrial detention, none of the convicted individuals will serve additional prison time.
Kardashian was not present for the verdict. However, she expressed her gratitude to the French authorities for their efforts in pursuing justice. She described the robbery as a terrifying experience that left a lasting impact on her and her family. Kardashian emphasized her commitment to advocating for justice and promoting a fair legal system.
Khedache’s DNA was crucial in solving the case, as it was found on the zip ties used to restrain Kardashian. Wiretaps also revealed his involvement in planning the robbery and attempting to sell the stolen diamonds. The only piece of jewelry recovered was a diamond-encrusted cross that was dropped during the escape.
During the trial, Kardashian testified about her harrowing experience, recalling her fear of being assaulted. She described the moment she realized masked men had entered her room and how she felt confused and terrified. Despite her ordeal, Kardashian showed a sense of forgiveness toward Khedache, telling him, “I do appreciate the letter, I forgive you. But it doesn’t change the feelings and the trauma and the fact that my life was forever changed.”
Yunice Abbas, one of the defendants, expressed regret for the trauma caused to Kardashian, stating that this was the first time he truly recognized the impact of his actions. He had previously confessed to his role in the robbery in a book he published.
As the trial concluded, it shed light on the risks that come with fame and the consequences of living a public life. The verdict has brought some closure to a case that has lingered in the public consciousness for years.