Nearly a decade after Kim Kardashian was tied up and robbed at gunpoint in a luxury Paris hotel, justice has finally been served. Eight people have been found guilty of taking part in the terrifying $10 million jewellery heist that left the American reality star traumatised and fearful for her life.
The robbery took place in 2016 during Paris Fashion Week and was one of the most high-profile crimes in recent French history. Kim Kardashian, who was 35 at the time, testified in a French courtroom, recalling the fear and emotional trauma she experienced that night.
The Night That Changed Everything
Kim Kardashian was alone in her hotel room at the exclusive Hotel de Pourtales when the robbery happened. Masked men dressed as police officers forced their way in, tied her up, and locked her in the bathroom.
They stole jewellery worth nearly $10 million, including her 18.88-carat diamond engagement ring from Kanye West, valued at $4 million.
In court, Kardashian recalled the terrifying moment when one of the men pulled her robe open while she was naked. “I was certain that was the moment he was going to rape me,” she said. “I just begged them to let me go. I told them, ‘I have babies. I need to get home.’”
She admitted the experience left her traumatised. “It changed everything,” she said. “I have a fear of going out. I can’t sleep without security.”
The “Grandpa Robbers” on Trial
Ten people went on trial, including several elderly men who came to be known in France as the “grandpa robbers.” Some were in their 60s and 70s and arrived at court in orthopaedic shoes and leaning on canes.
At the centre of the trial was Aomar Ait Khedache, also known as “Old Omar,” a 68-year-old career criminal. He admitted his role but denied being the mastermind.
His DNA was found on the zip-ties used to tie Kardashian, and wiretaps showed him planning parts of the heist and trying to sell the stolen jewels in Belgium. The jewels were never recovered.
In court, Khedache expressed deep regret. In a handwritten note read out loud due to his hearing and speech problems, he begged for forgiveness. Kardashian, who never knew about the letter until the trial, replied, “I forgive you… But it doesn’t change the trauma or the way my life is forever changed.”
Final Verdict and Sentences
Here’s what happened to those who stood trial:
- Aomar Ait Khedache (68): Sentenced to 8 years in prison, with 5 suspended.
- Yunice Abbas (72): Received a 7-year sentence, 5 suspended.
- Didier Dubreucq (69): Accused of holding Kardashian at gunpoint, also got 7 years, with 5 suspended.
- Marc-Alexandre Boyer (36): Allegedly entered the room during the robbery, received 7 years, 5 suspended.
- Francois “Big Guy” Delaporte (61): Given a 3-year suspended sentence.
- Christiane “Cathy” Glotin (78): Only woman on trial, sentenced to 4 years, all suspended.
- Harminy Ait Khedache (38): Getaway driver, sentenced to 5 years, 4 suspended.
- Marc Boyer (62): Fined around £4,500 for helping get the gun used in the heist.
Two men – Gary Madar and Florus Heroui – were acquitted due to lack of evidence. Another suspect died before trial, and one more is too unwell to face court for now.
Kim Kardashian’s Strength and Forgiveness
During the trial, Kardashian shared that the experience made her anxious and overly cautious. She revealed that she now travels with multiple bodyguards and finds it hard to sleep without protection.
Despite all that, she showed compassion in court. Kardashian, now studying law, said she believes in second chances and often visits prisons. Her words reminded everyone of the emotional scars left behind, even after justice is done.