Grandpa Gang Faces Trial for Kim Kardashian Paris Heist

Next week, a group of elderly men, dubbed the Grandpa Gang, will face trial in Paris for the audacious 2016 robbery of reality TV star Kim Kardashian. The heist, which saw thieves make off with jewelry worth an estimated $10 million, remains one of the most high-profile crimes in recent French history. Kardashian, who was held at gunpoint during the ordeal, is set to testify in person, bringing renewed attention to the case.

The Night of the Heist

On October 2-3, 2016, during Paris Fashion Week, five masked men, some posing as police officers, stormed the discreet No Address Hotel where Kardashian was staying. The 35-year-old star had attended a Givenchy show earlier that evening and returned to her luxury suite around midnight. Her bodyguard was absent, accompanying her sister Kourtney to a nightclub. Alone in her room, Kardashian heard noises and soon faced intruders who tied her up, taped her mouth, and held guns to her head.

The robbers demanded her 18.88-carat diamond engagement ring, a $4 million gift from her then-husband, rapper Kanye West. They also took a Louis Vuitton jewelry box containing other valuable pieces, including a gold Rolex watch. The entire ordeal lasted less than 10 minutes, with the thieves escaping on bicycles. A diamond-encrusted cross worth €30,000 was dropped during their getaway and later recovered, but most of the loot, believed to have been sold in Belgium, remains missing.

Who Are the Grandpa Gang?

The suspects, primarily in their 60s and 70s, earned the nickname Grandpa Gang due to their age and criminal experience. Among them is Aomar Ait Khedache, known as Old Omar, 68, who admitted involvement but denies being the ringleader. Another suspect, Yunice Abbas, 71, confessed to acting as a lookout and later wrote a book titled I Kidnapped Kim Kardashian, claiming he never saw the star. Prosecutors allege the group, many with prior convictions for robbery and other crimes, saw the heist as a chance for a major criminal comeback.

Ten of the original 12 suspects will stand trial, as one has died and another, 80-year-old Pierre Bouianere, is too ill to participate and will be tried separately. The defendants face charges of armed robbery, kidnapping, and membership in a criminal gang. French authorities identified them largely through DNA evidence, including traces found on the plastic ties used to bind Kardashian wrists.

Kardashian Role in the Trial

Kardashian, now a criminal justice advocate, will testify on May 13, according to her lawyer, Michael Rhodes. Her legal team has emphasized she will reserve comments for the courtroom to ensure the trial proceeds smoothly under French law. The reality star has described the robbery as life-changing, prompting her to overhaul her approach to social media. At the time, her frequent posts about her wealth and whereabouts likely aided the robbers, who tracked her movements online. She now delays posting until after leaving locations to protect her privacy.

Why the Heist Shocked the World

The robbery, dubbed the heist of the century by French media, was the largest theft targeting an individual in France in two decades. The audacity of the crime, committed in a high-security celebrity haven, exposed vulnerabilities in luxury accommodations. The Grandpa Gang methodical planning, including their use of police disguises and bicycles for a quiet escape, added to the case notoriety. Kardashian emotional recounting of the event, including her fear of being kidnapped or worse, resonated with millions, amplifying global interest.

The trial, running from April 28 to May 23, will delve into the planning and execution of the heist, as well as the roles of each accused. With eight defendants denying involvement, the proceedings promise to unravel new details about this infamous crime. As Kardashian prepares to face her alleged robbers in court, the world will be watching to see how justice unfolds in this extraordinary case.