Kim Kardashian to Take the Stand in Paris Armed Robbery Trial as Proceedings Begin
A legal proceeding has commenced in France regarding the 2016 robbery during which armed thieves restrained Kim Kardashian and made off with millions of dollars’ worth of jewelry amid Paris Fashion Week.
The reality television star, now a business entrepreneur, was targeted in the early hours of October 3, 2016, while residing at the Hotel de Pourtales.
Kardashian is anticipated to testify in person at the Palais de Justice on May 13.
The Palais de Justice. Pic: AP
Her legal representatives stated: “Ms. Kardashian will reserve her testimony for the court and jury and does not wish to provide further details at this moment.”
“She holds the French justice system in high regard and has been treated with respect by the French authorities.”
Kim Kardashian’s Paris robbery trial: Everything you need to know
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The trial commenced with the selection of a jury comprised of six citizens who will be present alongside three magistrates—this procedure in France is reserved for serious crimes.
Initially, there were 12 defendants implicated; however, one has passed away and another is unable to participate due to medical reasons.
Currently, ten individuals—nine men and one woman—are on trial.
Journalists inside the courthouse. Pic: AP
Five of the accused—Yunice Abbas, Aomar Ait Khedache, Harminv Ait Khedache, Didier Dubreucq, and Marc-Alexandre Boyer—are facing charges of armed robbery and kidnapping.
The remaining five defendants—Gary Madar, Christiane Glotin, Francois Delaporte, and Marc Boyer—are charged with complicity in the theft or possession of a weapon without authorization.
Two have admitted their involvement, while the others have denied it.
This group has been dubbed “the grandpa robbers” in local media, due to several members being in their 60s and 70s.
The court heard from Kardashian that she was taken into a bathroom and placed in a bathtub. Her assailants fled by bicycle or on foot, and she managed to free herself by removing the tape.
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She then hurried to her stylist’s room and contacted her sister Kourtney.
Kardashian informed investigators that she had not sustained any injuries. She lodged a complaint and expressed her desire to leave France promptly to reunite with her children.
According to her testimony and that of the concierge, Abderrahmane Ouatiki, at least one of the suspects threatened the victims with a handgun.
Lawyer Henri de Beauregard, representing Mr. Ouatiki, stated that the intruders were “experienced, determined criminals who did not hesitate to intimidate him while he was working night shifts to support his studies.”
Abderrahmane Ouatiki was working as a hotel receptionist when he was allegedly threatened at gunpoint during the robbery. Pic: AP
The robbers made off with various jewelry pieces valued at approximately $6 million, including Kardashian’s engagement ring.
Only one piece—a diamond cross on platinum that was lost during the suspects’ getaway—has been recovered.
Two of the accused have partially confessed, as their DNA was discovered at the crime scene.
Aomar Ait Khedache, aged 68, is among those who allegedly entered the apartment.
Defendant Aomar Ait Khedache. Pic: AP
Dubbed “Old Omar,” his DNA was discovered on the tape used to gag Kardashian.
Khedache’s attorney, Franck Berton, mentioned that his client plans to plead guilty, acknowledging his involvement and expressing intentions to “apologize and clarify how the events transpired.”
Due to his deafness, Khedache will respond to the court’s inquiries in writing.
He allegedly left the hotel on a bicycle, as did two others, and is said to have met his son, who was reportedly waiting in a parked car at a nearby train station.
Yunice Abbas, 71, confessed to tying up the concierge but denied entering Kardashian’s apartment.
He claims he acted as a lookout at the ground floor reception to ensure a clear escape route.
Defendant Yunice Abbas. Pic: AP
Gabriel Dumenil, Abbas’s lawyer, remarked that his client seeks to “share his truth and explain the motivations behind his actions, perhaps even asking for forgiveness and conveying his remorse.”
Abbas was arrested in January 2017 and spent 21 months in prison before being released under judicial supervision.
In 2021, he co-authored a French-language book titled “I Kidnapped Kim Kardashian.”
Didier Dubreucq, 69, known as “Blue Eyes,” is another alleged robber believed to have entered the apartment.
He denies any wrongdoing despite being captured on CCTV, and numerous phone contacts with other co-defendants indicate his involvement, according to investigators.
The other defendants are alleged to have provided details about Kardashian’s stay at the property or were involved in the disposal of the jewelry in Antwerp, Belgium.
