On Monday, the French judicial system took a significant step forward as prosecutors and defendants commenced the jury selection process for the highly publicized trial concerning the stunning $9 million jewelry heist involving reality TV star Kim Kardashian. This marks the start of proceedings against ten individuals charged in connection with the 2016 robbery, during which Kardashian was allegedly held at gunpoint while attending the city's renowned fashion week.
Kim Kardashian, 44, was staying at a private apartment complex known for hosting VIP visitors during Paris Fashion Week when the robbery took place. Reports indicate that five of the accused entered the building on bicycles and foot, successfully breaching security to confront the reality TV star turned business mogul. The robbery was meticulously planned, with other defendants facing charges related to the planning stages and providing insider information about Kardashian's whereabouts.
This group of defendants has garnered the nickname “the grandpa robbers” in local media, reflecting the age of several suspects, some of whom are in their 60s and 70s. The trial has faced considerable delays, resulting in the death of one defendant and necessitating the separation of another case due to the advanced age and medical condition of an 80-year-old suspect. Among those standing trial is Aomar Ait Khedache, 69—dubbed “Old Omar”—who is accused of masterminding the heist. Others include his son Harminy, 37, who is alleged to have acted as the getaway driver, and Didier “Blue Eyes” Dubreucq, 69.
Additionally, Gary Madar, 35, the brother of Kardashian’s Paris driver, faces accusations of supplying the alleged robbers with critical information about Kardashian’s location. A notable figure among the defendants is 78-year-old Christiane Glotin, who is alleged to have played a role in orchestrating the robbery.
At least one of the accused has openly admitted to participating in the crime. Yunice Abbas, now 72, authored the 2021 book “I Kidnapped Kim Kardashian,” where he recounted his life story and detailed the robbery. In his narrative, Abbas discusses his recruitment into the scheme months prior to the crime, referring to Kardashian only as the “wife of an American rapper” until after the heist was executed.
According to Abbas’ lawyer, Gabriel Dumenil, his client is eager to take the stand and share his side of the story. Dumenil stated, “He wants to explain himself, to express himself, to speak his truth and express his regrets about this case. This is very important for him.” He further emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that Abbas understands the implications of the trial.
In the French judicial system, defendants do not formally plead guilty or not guilty; instead, they can admit or deny their involvement, while the trial continues regardless. Given that the maximum sentence for this case exceeds 20 years, it will be adjudicated by a jury rather than solely by judges. Due to restrictions in French courts, no television cameras will be present; journalists and courtroom sketch artists will document the proceedings instead.
Kim Kardashian is scheduled to appear in court on May 13. She has previously described her traumatic experience during the robbery as a “terrifying ordeal” during which she feared for her life. In a 2017 episode of E!’s “Keeping Up With the Kardashians,” Kardashian recounted how she desperately attempted to call 911, only to be interrupted when one of the robbers seized the phone and threatened her, leaving her with the chilling thought, “this is it.”
This trial is poised to attract significant media attention as it unfolds, shining a spotlight on the complexities of crime, celebrity culture, and the justice system.
