In the early hours of October 3, 2016, the world watched in shock as Kim Kardashian became the victim of a stunning armed robbery in Paris. But behind the audacious heist was a gang of elderly criminals, whom French media quickly dubbed the “grandpa robbers.”
Yunice Abbas, the 62-year-old ringleader, was only beginning to realize the gravity of the crime when he returned home the morning after, oblivious to his wife’s accusations as she watched news reports detailing the shocking incident. Kardashian, then 35, was bound and robbed at gunpoint of jewels valued at approximately $10 million, including her $4 million engagement ring from rapper Kanye West.
The five main suspects in the robbery, along with five accessories, will face trial over three weeks in Paris as the remains of the case unfold. While the chief culprits have confessed, the gang’s miscalculations are evident. Ait Khedache, 68, and Abbas, both with lifelong histories of criminal activities, believed their experience would help them navigate a risky heist, but their plan quickly unraveled due in part to modern forensic techniques and an ill-conceived attempt to impersonate police officers.
At 3 AM on the night of the robbery, the band of robbers infiltrated the luxury Hotel de Pourtalès, threatening a night receptionist, Abderrahmane Ouatiki, before making their way to Kardashian’s suite. A panicked Kardashian dialed 911 only to realize the number was ineffective in France. As the robbers demanded her valuables, language barriers complicated matters, necessitating Ouatiki's translation. Amidst the chaos, Kardashian feared for her safety as their demands turned frantic.
By daybreak, the robbers had fled the scene, and Kardashian managed to free herself to report the incident to the French police. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Abbas, he was about to be implicated in a crime that garnered international attention. It all became clear when he glanced at the news featuring Kardashian’s name — a world-famous personality he initially did not recognize.
Investigations revealed that the gang's planning was flawed, notably their underestimation of local law enforcement capabilities and their own abilities to evade capture. DNA evidence and surveillance footage eventually led to their arrests in early 2017. Among the mysteries explored in the trial will be how the robbers were aware of Kardashian’s whereabouts and vulnerability that night.
Current investigations suggest that information may have been leaked, with Gary Madar, a former transport provider for the Kardashians, cited as a potential accomplice. Madar has denied involvement, deeming the claims as unsupported suspicions.
As the trial approaches, the whereabouts of Kardashian's jewels also remain uncertain. Many of the stolen items were reportedly melted down or sold off. Notably, the engagement ring remains missing, its fate still a point of intrigue and concern.
As Kardashians' life post-robbery continues to yield changes, gaining insight into her life has become an engaging saga intertwined with themes of celebrity, crime, and the human experience. Kardashian's appearance at the trial is expected to bring out significant media coverage, marking a dramatic intersection of her life with that of the aging criminals who sought the spoils of fame without understanding its implications.
Abbas, now writing about his experiences, acknowledges that while the world may focus on who Kardashian is, the elderly criminals often remain unrecognized, blending into a narrative far removed from the glitter of fame. As Kim prepares to face her past in court, the trial promises to be a spectacle of both justice and reflection.
