The Paris courtroom recently saw the conclusion of the trial of eight French individuals dubbed as the “grandpa robbers” who were found guilty of the 2016 kidnap and robbery of Kim Kardashian. The verdict, delivered by a panel of three judges and six jurors, resulted in seven men and one woman being sentenced to three to eight years in prison for their roles in the elaborate heist that involved tying up the celebrity with zip ties and stealing $9 million worth of jewelry, including a diamond engagement ring from Kanye West.
One defendant was convicted of a gun charge but not of involvement in the robbery, while another was acquitted entirely. Despite the guilty verdicts, most of the sentences were either partially or entirely suspended. The robbers, known in France as “les papys braqueurs” or the grandpa robbers, were mainly in their late 50s and 60s at the time of the crime and were apprehended through the use of DNA evidence and wire taps.
Following nearly a decade of legal delays, most of the defendants are now in their late 60s and 70s, dealing with various health issues such as cancers, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s. One suspect had passed away before the trial, and the alleged mastermind of the operation, Aomar Aït Khedache, communicated with the court through written notes as he was deaf.
During the trial, Kim Kardashian recounted the harrowing experience of being bound, with a gun pointed at her, and fearing for her life. She described the moment she thought she would not make it back to her children and the trauma of the ordeal. Despite the robbers fleeing with the stolen goods, Kardashian managed to free herself and hide with her friend until help arrived.
Khedache, a seasoned criminal in Paris, was identified through his DNA found on the zip ties used in the robbery. Wiretaps revealed his involvement in organizing the heist, recruiting accomplices, and planning to sell the stolen diamonds in Belgium. However, the stolen jewelry was never recovered.
In his defense, Khedache claimed to be a low-level participant and shifted blame onto a non-existent individual named “X” or “Ben.” Expressing remorse in their final statements, the defendants acknowledged their wrongdoing. The presiding judge acknowledged the leniency of the sentences due to the advanced age and poor health of the robbers but emphasized the harm caused by their actions.
The trial of the grandpa robbers and the conviction of those involved in the robbery of Kim Kardashian underscore the consequences of criminal activities and the impact on victims. The verdict serves as a reminder of the importance of justice and accountability in cases of crime and wrongdoing.
