Trial begins in Kim Kardashian’s 2016 jewellery heist case in Paris

Kardashian’s lawyers said she would testify in person during the trial, which is expected to run until 23 May. “Ms Kardashian is reserving her testimony for the court and jury and does not wish to elaborate further at this time,” her lawyers told AP. They added that she has “great respect and admiration for the French justice system” and appreciated how she had been treated by the authorities.

Terrifying night recalled

Kim Kardashian has previously described her terror during the robbery, saying she feared she would be raped and killed. Speaking on David Letterman’s Netflix show in 2020, Kardashian tearfully recalled thinking, “This is the time I’m going to get raped. Are we gonna die? Just tell them I have children. I have a family.”

Kardashian was taken from her bedroom to a bathroom, placed in the bathtub, and tied up. The attackers then fled on bicycles and on foot. She managed to free herself by removing the tape from her mouth, hands, and feet before calling for help.

Although she was not physically harmed, Kardashian later told investigators she wanted to leave France immediately to reunite with her children.

Elderly Robbers on trial

The French press have called the group the “Granddad Robbers” because many of the suspects are elderly and have long criminal histories, particularly involving bank robberies.

Twelve people were originally meant to stand trial. However, one has died and another is too ill to be tried. Five of the remaining ten are believed to have been directly involved at the scene.

Aomar Aït Khedache, aged 68 and known as “Old Omar,” is said to have been one of the robbers who entered Kardashian’s apartment. His DNA was found on the tape used to gag her, AP reports. Investigators say he fled the scene on a bicycle before meeting his son at a nearby station.

Another accused, Yunice Abbas, 71, admitted acting as a lookout at the reception area but said he did not personally threaten Kardashian. Abbas, who later spent 21 months in prison, even co-wrote a book titled “I Sequestered Kim Kardashian”.

Jewellery still missing

The robbers stole several valuable pieces of jewellery, including a ring worth over $6 million. Only one piece — a diamond cross on a platinum chain — has been recovered after being dropped during the escape.

Some of the defendants are accused of helping to sell the stolen jewellery in Antwerp, Belgium. Others allegedly gave information about Kardashian’s whereabouts, helping to plan the heist.

Didier Dubreucq, 69, known as “Blue Eyes,” denies involvement but was caught on CCTV and had regular contact with other suspects, according to the investigation cited by AP.