Trial begins for ‘Grandpa gang’ accused of million Kim Kardashian heist in Paris.
The trial concerning the notorious “Grandpa gang,” implicated in the 2016 armed robbery of reality television star Kim Kardashian in Paris, commenced on Monday amidst a significant development: the death of one of the alleged thieves. This unfortunate turn of events reduces the number of defendants currently standing trial to ten, as one of the original twelve, 80-year-old Pierre Bouianere, is set to face separate proceedings due to health issues.
The ten remaining defendants—nine men and one woman—are charged with robbery and kidnapping. The kidnapping charges pertain to both Kardashian and the concierge of the residence, who was forced at gunpoint to assist the gang in locating Kardashian’s apartment. A panel comprising six citizens and three magistrates has been appointed to oversee the trial, which is expected to conclude around May 23. Kardashian herself is scheduled to testify in person on May 13, according to statements from her legal team. The trial proceedings come at a time when Kardashian expresses her respect for the French justice system, confident in the ongoing legal process.
On the night of the incident, which occurred on October 2, 2016, Kardashian faced a traumatic experience when armed assailants, impersonating police officers, entered her hotel room. The robbers held her at gunpoint, binding and gagging her before stealing an estimated million in jewelry—most notably a million engagement ring. The psychological impact of the event has been profound, leaving Kardashian grappling with significant fears during the ordeal and its aftermath.
The gang, dubbed the “Grandpa” gang by the French media, comprises seasoned criminals aged between 35 and 78, with most falling in their 60s and 70s. Notably, 71-year-old Yunice Abbas has publicly acknowledged his participation and has stated intentions to take responsibility, while also having authored a book regarding the incident. Abbas previously described his role as a lookout during the robbery.
Key figures among the defendants include Aomar Ait Khedache, who has similarly confessed to his involvement and conveyed an apology to Kardashian from his prison cell. Other notable defendants include Harminy Khedache, the alleged getaway driver and son of Ait Khedache, and Didier Dubreucq, also known as “Blue Eyes.” The gang’s operation remains infamous, particularly since none of the stolen jewelry, except for a single diamond-encrusted cross mistakenly dropped by Abbas during their escape, has been recovered.
As the trial unfolds in Paris, significant attention remains on the proceedings and anticipated testimonies, particularly given Kardashian’s stature in popular culture and the sensational nature of the case. The trial could also serve as a pivotal moment in the ongoing narrative of celebrity security and the implications of high-profile crime in contemporary society.
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