Nearly nine years after Kim Kardashian was robbed at gunpoint in a Paris apartment, ten men—nicknamed the “grandpa robbers” due to their advanced age—are standing trial.
The trial, which began on April 28, 2025, is bringing renewed attention to one of the most notorious celebrity crimes in recent memory.
The suspects, aged between 35 and 78, are accused of orchestrating the 2016 heist that saw Kardashian bound, gagged, and robbed of nearly €10 million ($11 million) worth of jewelry.
The case shocked the world, not just because of Kardashian’s fame, but also because of the brazenness and precision of the crime.
The Night of the Heist
In October 2016, during Paris Fashion Week, Kardashian was alone at a private luxury residence when five armed men, dressed as police officers, broke in. They forced their way into her room, tied her up, and locked her in a bathroom at gunpoint.
Her bodyguard was out at the time, accompanying her sisters to a nightclub, leaving Kardashian vulnerable. Among the items stolen was her famed 20-carat diamond engagement ring, a piece she had frequently showcased on social media. The robbery led Kardashian to later change her public habits, sharing fewer real-time updates and significantly tightening her security measures.
The Investigation Breakthrough
The French police launched a massive investigation, relying heavily on DNA evidence left behind at the crime scene. By early 2017, they had arrested 12 suspects. Among them were several older men with long criminal histories, leading the French press to dub them the “grandpa robbers.”
Yunice Abbas, one of the suspects, later published a memoir detailing aspects of the heist, a move that shocked many and added a layer of notoriety to the case. Another suspect, Aomar Ait Khedache, allegedly masterminded the operation but denies being the true leader.
Kim Kardashian’s Upcoming Testimony
Kim Kardashian, now 44, is expected to testify in court via video link on May 13. Her statement is considered crucial to the prosecution’s case. While she has kept relatively quiet about the trial publicly, sources close to Kardashian say she wants the proceedings handled respectfully and by French law, emphasizing that she seeks closure rather than revenge.
Her testimony is likely to offer an emotional recounting of the trauma she endured that night, something she has only briefly touched on in interviews and reality television since.
A Trial that Captivates Public Attention
Beyond the celebrity element, the trial is attracting wide public attention in France and internationally. It raises questions about security lapses, the influence of social media on personal safety, and the audacity of organized crime groups operating within Europe.
Legal experts expect the trial to last at least a month. If convicted, the defendants could face lengthy prison sentences.
The Impact on Celebrity Culture
Kardashian’s robbery marked a major shift in how celebrities approach privacy and personal security. Many high-profile figures have since adopted more cautious online behaviors, delaying social media posts and significantly increasing private security during travel. The incident became a cautionary tale about the dangers of public oversharing.
What Happened to Kim Kardashian’s Stolen Jewelry?
Despite major arrests and confessions, most of the jewelry stolen from Kardashian has never been recovered. Investigators believe some of the pieces were melted down or sold off through underground channels shortly after the heist. The disappearance of the iconic diamond ring remains one of the most frustrating aspects of the case for both authorities and Kardashian herself.
