Ten individuals are set to face trial in connection with the infamous armed robbery of reality star Kim Kardashian during Paris Fashion Week in 2016. The trial commenced on Monday, April 28, as reported by various sources such as the New York Times, NBC News, and ABC News. Kim Kardashian, the co-founder of SKIMS, is expected to provide firsthand testimony at the trial, as confirmed by PEOPLE in March.
The harrowing incident took place on October 6, 2016, when armed thieves forcibly entered Kardashian’s room at the No Address hotel in Paris. The perpetrators bound and gagged her, placing her in a bathtub while they ransacked the room and made off with millions of dollars worth of jewelry. Despite the ordeal, Kardashian managed to free herself from the restraints and alert others to her distress, seeking help from the balcony.
Among the stolen items were valuable pieces such as diamond bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and a ring worth $4 million gifted by her then-husband, Kanye West. The total worth of the stolen jewellery was estimated to be nearly $9 million, with most of it remaining unrecovered. Kardashian later recounted the traumatic experience on an episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians, detailing the fear and uncertainty she faced during the robbery.
It was suggested that the perpetrators targeted Kardashian after monitoring her activities on social media, particularly noting her solo presence at the time of the robbery. Following the incident, French authorities made arrests across the country, detaining 17 suspects. Presently, 10 of these individuals, including alleged accomplices, are standing trial. Notably, one of those indicted is the younger brother of Kardashian’s chauffeur in Paris.
Aomar Ait Khedache, believed to have orchestrated the heist, has issued an apology to Kardashian from his prison cell. Another suspect, Yunice Abbas, admitted to participating in the robbery and even co-authored a book recounting the events. As the trial unfolds, insights into the planning and execution of the robbery are expected to come to light, shedding further light on this high-profile case that shook both Kardashian and her fans.
The suspects involved in the armed robbery of Kim Kardashian are now facing the consequences of their actions, with the trial providing a platform to seek justice and closure for the traumatic event. Kardashian’s willingness to testify in court demonstrates her commitment to seeing the perpetrators held accountable for their crimes, underscoring the significance of standing up against such acts of violence and violation.