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A legal proceeding has commenced in Paris concerning a high-profile robbery that occurred during the 2016 Fashion Week, where Kim Kardashian was held at gunpoint in her hotel room and had jewelry valued at millions stolen.
The trial involves ten individuals—nine men and one woman—facing charges of robbery and kidnapping related to the incident that unfolded on October 2, 2016. Among them, two have admitted their involvement, while the remainder disputes the allegations against them.
Kardashian has previously recounted her harrowing experience on her family’s reality show, describing the terror she felt as intruders broke into her space and threatened her life. Her legal team has confirmed that she will personally testify during the trial, which is set to continue until May 23.
“Ms. Kardashian looks forward to presenting her testimony to the jury and wishes to refrain from further comments at this stage,” her attorneys stated. “She holds the French justice system in high regard and appreciates the respectful treatment received from French authorities. She desires the trial to unfold in an organized manner, in line with French legal protocols, ensuring respect for all involved.”
Aomar Aït Khedache, identified as the suspected mastermind behind the robbery, was present at the palace of justice in Paris. The media has referred to the accused as “The Granddad Robbers,” a name stemming from the older age and extensive criminal histories of the primary defendants.
In a past interview on David Letterman’s Netflix program, Kardashian expressed her fear at the moment of the robbery, recalling her thoughts of being assaulted or killed, desperately pleading for her life because of her children and family.
Originally, twelve defendants were anticipated in court, but one has died and another is currently too ill to face trial. Investigations indicate that five of the ten accused were directly involved in the robbery.
The Incident and Aftermath
The attackers allegedly restrained Kardashian and fled the scene on bicycles. She managed to break free from her bindings and contacted her sister to relay the news of the theft shortly after the ordeal. Initially uninjured, she expressed a desire to leave France quickly to reunite with her family.
According to her and the concierge’s testimonies, at least one of the assailants brandished a firearm during the crime.
Stolen Jewelry
The assailants made off with several expensive pieces of jewelry, including a ring valued at over $6 million. However, only one item—a diamond cross crafted from platinum—has since been retrieved.
Two defendants have partially confessed, as their DNA was detected at the crime scene. The purported ringleader, Aomar Aït Khedache, 68, is noted to have left the crime scene by bicycle, later meeting his son at a train station after the incident.
Another accused, Yunice Abbas, 71, who claims he served as a lookout, admits he tied up the concierge but insists he did not directly confront Kardashian. He was apprehended in January 2017 and spent 21 months in jail prior to his release under judicial supervision. In 2021, he wrote a French-language book titled I Sequestered Kim Kardashian.
Didier Dubreucq, 69, also faces allegations of entering Kardashian’s flat. Despite evidence, including CCTV footage, he denies any wrongdoing. Other defendants face charges connected to illuminating Kardashian’s presence at the residence and the subsequent resale of the stolen items in Antwerp, Belgium.
Source
www.cbc.ca