A band of elderly crooks dubbed the “grandpa robbers” are finally being brought to justice nearly a decade after they bound Kim Kardashian at gunpoint and stole $10 million in jewelry during Paris Fashion Week.
At a Glance
- Ten elderly defendants, known as the “grandpa robbers,” are on trial in Paris for the 2016 armed robbery of Kim Kardashian
- The suspects, mostly in their late 60s and 70s, allegedly stole over $10 million in jewelry, including a $4 million engagement ring
- Several defendants suffer serious health conditions – the alleged ringleader is so deaf he needs written questions, others have cancer and Alzheimer’s
- Kardashian is scheduled to testify on May 13 about the traumatic experience where she was bound and gagged
- The robbery was allegedly planned after the suspects saw Kardashian flaunting her jewelry on social media
Elderly Criminals Face Justice After Nearly a Decade
The trial of the infamous “Kardashian 12” – now reduced to 10 after one defendant’s death in March – began this week in Paris, bringing to light the bizarre case of elderly career criminals accused of orchestrating one of the most high-profile celebrity robberies in recent memory. The defendants, many in their late 60s and 70s, allegedly plotted and executed the brazen 2016 heist that saw reality star Kim Kardashian bound, gagged, and robbed of approximately $10 million in jewelry during Paris Fashion Week.
The alleged ringleader, 72-year-old Aomar Ait Khedache, nicknamed “Old Omar,” is reportedly so deaf that he requires questions to be submitted in writing during court proceedings. This hearing difficulty hasn’t stopped prosecutors from presenting him as the mastermind behind the elaborate scheme that targeted one of the world’s most recognizable celebrities. His advanced age and that of his co-defendants have led French media to dub the group the “grandpa robbers.”
Health Issues Plague Defendants as Trial Begins
The trial highlights the unusual spectacle of alleged career criminals facing justice while battling significant health problems. One defendant, known as “Blue Eyes,” is reportedly suffering from lung cancer, while another, nicknamed “Big Pierrot,” claims to have Alzheimer’s disease. Another suspect, Yunnis Abbas, recently underwent triple-bypass heart surgery and apparently found time to write a book titled “I Kidnapped Kim Kardashian” while awaiting trial.
These health complications have contributed to the nearly decade-long delay in bringing the case to trial. The defendants’ advanced age stands in stark contrast to the violence described in the charges against them. According to court documents, five men disguised as police officers forced their way into Kardashian’s luxury residence during Paris Fashion Week in October 2016, where they overpowered the hotel concierge and Kardashian’s bodyguard.
The Brazen Heist That Shocked Paris
Prosecutors allege the elderly gang meticulously planned the robbery after learning about Kardashian’s visit to Paris Fashion Week through her social media posts, which frequently showcased her expensive jewelry. The inside information about Kardashian’s movements was allegedly provided by Gary Madar, a VIP greeter who had developed a close relationship with the celebrity. This intelligence allowed the robbers to strike at the perfect moment, when security would be minimal.
The crime sent shockwaves through Paris, which was already reeling from recent terrorist attacks. The high-profile robbery raised serious concerns about safety for tourists in the French capital and embarrassed authorities who were trying to restore the city’s image as a secure destination for wealthy visitors. Most of the stolen jewelry was never recovered, except for a diamond-encrusted cross that was found discarded in the street following the heist.
Kardashian Set to Testify About Traumatic Experience
Kim Kardashian is scheduled to testify on May 13, where she will likely describe the traumatic experience of being bound, gagged, and fearing for her life during the robbery. The reality star has previously spoken about how the event changed her approach to security and social media, becoming more cautious about sharing her location and displaying her wealth online. The theft of her $4 million diamond engagement ring from then-husband Kanye West was particularly devastating.
The trial has generated enormous media interest, with over 400 journalists reportedly registered for access to the proceedings. The combination of a world-famous celebrity victim, elderly perpetrators with colorful nicknames, and the sheer value of the stolen goods has created a media circus atmosphere around the case. The proceedings are expected to continue until late May, with testimony from both the victims and the accused.
