Kim Kardashian Paris robbery trial: What to know about the $10m heist and defendants
In October 2016, reality star Kim Kardashian was robbed at gunpoint during Paris Fashion Week in a terrifying heist that left the world stunned. Now, nearly a decade later, the case is heading to trial with 10 defendants facing charges. The SKIMS founder is scheduled to testify from April 28 to May 23, 2025, giving the public a deeper look into the traumatic experience and its aftermath.
'Kim Kardashian.'
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The Robbery: A Night of Horror
On the early morning of October 3, 2016, Kim Kardashian was staying at the No Address Hotel in Paris, where she was attending Paris Fashion Week. Alone in her room, wearing a bathrobe, Kim was ambushed by two men wearing hoods and jackets that read "Police." In her statement to authorities, Kim described how one of the robbers pointed a weapon at her and demanded that she reveal the location of her wedding ring, a $4 million piece from her then-husband, Kanye West.
The intruders restrained Kim with plastic cables and tape, before placing her in the bathtub and ransacking the room. The robbers made off with over $10 million worth of jewelry, including a Louis Vuitton jewelry box containing two Cartier bracelets, a Lorraine Schwartz diamond necklace, and gold Rolex watches, along with Kim's iPhone 6 and Blackberry.
What Was Stolen During the Heist?
The robbery took place amidst a backdrop of luxury and opulence. Among the stolen items were:
• Two Cartier diamond bracelets
• A Lorraine Schwartz diamond necklace
• Diamond earrings and gold necklaces
• A $4 million engagement ring
• Several expensive watches
• Kim's personal smartphones (iPhone 6 and Blackberry)
The total value of the stolen goods was estimated at over $10 million, making the heist one of the most significant in recent years.
Kim Kardashian's Reflections on the Robbery
In the wake of the traumatic event, Kim Kardashian went into a period of isolation, with little media presence. It wasn't until 2017 that she began to speak openly about the psychological toll the robbery took on her. In an emotional conversation with her sisters on Keeping Up With the Kardashians, Kim admitted that she feared for her life, saying, “They're going to shoot me in the back. There's no way out."
During a 2017 interview on The Alec Baldwin Show, Kim further revealed that the robbery caused her to lose motivation for much of a year. She admitted, “I almost lost myself.” However, in the years that followed, Kim expressed gratitude for the life-changing event, explaining that it forced her to re-evaluate her identity and priorities.
The Defendants: Who's on Trial?
The trial of the "Grandpa Robbers," as they were dubbed due to their ages, will bring 10 defendants to court. Key figures include Aomar "Old Omar" Ait Khedache (69), the alleged mastermind of the heist, and his son Harminy (37), as well as Didier “Blue Eyes” Dubreucq (69). The group also includes Kim's limo driver’s brother, Gary Madar (35), and Christiane Glotin, who is accused of helping plan the crime.
Among the defendants, Yunice Abbas, one of the robbers, has admitted his involvement in the crime. In his 2021 book, I Kidnapped Kim Kardashian, Abbas wrote candidly about the heist, calling it "exciting" and noting that he was unaware of the identity of his victim.
Kim Kardashian's Upcoming Testimony
Kim Kardashian’s lawyer confirmed that the reality star will take the stand at the trial. Despite the difficult nature of reliving such a traumatic event, Kim has expressed a deep respect for the French judicial system and is committed to assisting in the legal process. Her lawyer, Michael Rhodes, praised the authorities for their professionalism and assured that Kim's testimony will be conducted with respect for all parties involved.
As the trial unfolds, the public will get an inside look at Kim's emotional recovery and her desire for justice in this high-profile case.
